Trade body warns of increase in shipping rates

AMMAN — The Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) on Saturday deplored increasing the rates of container shipping by some shipping agencies, saying the move would negatively affect the private sector and different commercial activities.

ACC expressed its regret for this “unjustified” raise without the shipping companies taking into consideration the minimum level of coordination and consultation with the private sector and relevant merchants and importers, according to a chamber statement.

The ACC had received complaints from merchants and importers that some shipping companies will increase the prices of dry containers imported from the Far East to the Red Sea by $150 for 20-foot containers and by $300 for 40-foot containers as of the beginning of December.

The companies will also apply another increase of the same rate as of the middle of December.

ACC described the step as “completely unjustified”, especially when the national economy is going through a difficult phase, and due to the surrounding circumstances and the “remarkable decline” in oil prices.

The chamber also called on the ministries of industry, commerce and supply and the transport to intervene and deter these companies from taking such a decision, and finding a way of cooperation among all stakeholders to stimulate the economic movement instead of deteriorating it.