GERMANY's Hapag-Lloyd, the world's fourth biggest container shipping line, has announced a wide range of rate increases on its Far East services to Central and South America effective July 15.

Rates from the Far East to the east coast of South America will increase US$500 per TEU and to Mexico, Central America and the west coast of South America. Rates will also rise $400 per TEU, and to Caribbean and Panama ports, they will go up $560 per TEU and $800 per FEU.

Separately, rates for cargo from Pakistan to north Europe and the Mediterranean will increase $125 per TEU from July 9.