Rates on the rise.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Australia's shipping lines are lifting prices to get back in the black. EVELYN DUFFY examines the rate rises and gauges Australian traders' reaction

AUSTRALIA'S TRADING community can expect to pay more for sea freight rates between our shores and those of our overseas trading partners in the next 12 months.

Charges on some trade routes will rise by at least 10 per cent within the next few months, and the use of surcharges -- that ever-present bane of shippers -- is also accelerating.

Some shippers, particularly those of low-value commodities where