Starting August 17, APM Terminals' new rates for the Moin Container Terminal will come into effect in Costa Rica, rising from $257 to $262 for the loading and unloading service.
The increase from $257.43 to $261.60 represents an adjustment of $4.17 per container, which applies whether the container is full or empty, as stipulated in clause 11.8.5.1 of the concession contract signed between the company and the government of Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican Chamber of Bulk Importers is protesting against the charging of tariffs which are higher than those agreed and lack of port services.
Lack of machinery, hoppers and other equipment needed to carry out the unloading process is what is being denounced by the Costa Rican Chamber of Bulk Importers (Cacigra).The union claims that Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera is providing a poor service, but this entity argues that"... The discussion is between Incop and importers of grains."
While ships wait five days to unload grains, a new dock is unable to be used because a staff member resigned and the appointment of his replacement has been delayed.
A green light is being awaited from the new authorities of the Costa Rican Pacific Ports in order to start work and approve the fee schedule so that dock can start operating. However, this delay has generated several additional costs in recent months, increasing the price of corn, soybeans and sodium carbonate, among other things.
The rise in logistics costs has a higher impact on businesses who export fresh produce.
On 1 January an increase came into effect of approximately 10% in the cost of shipping a container with cold storage leaving from Costa Rica.
According to an article in Nacion.com, companies that will be affected by the increase of approximately 10% are those who export fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables.
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