MARSEILLES based CMA CGM, the world's third largest container ocean shipping line, has announced it will raise rates on number of trade routes over the next six weeks.

It will also levy a peak season surcharge from December 15 on cargo from Asia to the Mediterranean.

Increases effective December 15 are US $600 per TEU from Asia to Mexico and the west coast of Central and South America, $560 per TEU and $800 per FEU from Asia to the Caribbean and $250 per TEU from Asia to West Africa.

CMA CGM will levy rate increases from January 1 on the eastbound transpacific cargo in line with recently announced guidelines from the Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement. The increases are $320 per TEU, $400 per FEU, $450 per 40-foot high-cube, $510 per 45-footer, and $640 per 53-footer.