KARACHI- North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) president Faisal Moiz Khan dubbed the four-time surge in tariffs by international shipping companies as a threat to the country’s exports, while urging the government to play a role like the US Federal Maritime Commission (US-FMC), according to a press statement.
He also sought clarification from global ocean carriers on the drastic rise in tariffs so that the country’s exports and imports can be saved from unnecessary costs. He said that otherwise, the huge increase in cost may make Pakistan’s exports and imports impossible.
Faisal Moiz Khan said that the US-FMC has asked eight major global ocean carriers – CMA CGM, Hapag – Lloyd, HMM, Matson, MSC, OOCL, SM Line, and Zim to provide details about charges so that it can be observed whether the increased charges of the said carriers are valid or not.
He said that the government should also seek clarification from international ocean carriers regarding surcharges and other charges to eliminate unfair charges and the factors that cause the cost of domestic exports and imports.
“It should also be examined what justifications are being offered by international ocean carriers for the rise in tariffs. Because in many countries, including the United States, changes in ocean carrier tariffs or rate increases are subject to specific requirements. Including providing 30 days’ notice to ships and ensuring that published tariffs are clear and unambiguous,” NKATI president said.
Faisal Moiz Khan further said that it should also be reviewed that the surcharges have been made properly and in compliance with legal and regulatory obligations and if the increase in tariffs is unjustified then it should be abolished. He suggested that Pakistan should also implement international-style rules and regulations to ensure that global ocean carriers are not improperly charged.
