The container-lines continue to attempt to boost profitability via rate increases. Hapag-Lloyd’s peak season surcharge on its MGX Mediterranean-U.S. service is the latest example in a series across the sector including bunker fuel surcharges (most recently by ONE) and FAK rises from Maersk and CMA-CGM. So far rates globally are recovering suggesting liners are making rate increases “stick”. Average China-outbound rates have risen 9% from their April 13 lows. Hapag-Lloyd’s PSS may be a response to Evergreen and Hyundai MM exiting Transatlantic services. It comes with the risk though that ...