Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion prepares to negotiate with major shipping companies. Provide clarity on additional costs charged to Thai exporters. amidst a situation that is still highly uncertain Following the Houthi attack on foreign shipping in the Red Sea It is having a severe impact on Thai exporters of goods by ship. Especially the freight cost has increased more than 3 times. Mr. Phusit Rattanakul Serererngrit Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion spoke after meeting with the private sector, importers, and exporters of goods by ship. The National Shipping Council of Thailand or RTAF and major shipping companies Discuss the situation of attacks on foreign shipping vessels by the Houthis in the Red Sea area, which is a sea route that exports Thai products to North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The latest situation is still tense. However, the impact on Thai exporters at this time is that freight rates have greatly increased. Bot h products that have already been sent Goods currently in transit and products that are being prepared for new transportation by the Ministry of Commerce Prepare to be a mediator and talk with major shipping companies. Be clear about surcharges or additional costs that shipping companies charge exporters. So that exporters can calculate management costs. and negotiating Free Time fees or the length of time that containers can stay at the port without charge. Balance the number of containers to avoid congestion at shipping ports. However, after discussion with the exporter There is concern during the Chinese New Year festival. It is expected that there will be an impact on shipping and the number of containers. that will be concentrated in China in large numbers But I believe that after early February, the situation with freight rates and the number of containers will begin to ease. But we still need to closely monitor the situation in the Red Sea. Mr. Chaichan Charoensuk, Chairman of the National Shipping C ouncil of Thailand or The RTA said that what is most affected by the private sector that exports goods by ship right now is the increase in freight rates on many routes. Freight rates on some routes have increased more than three times, as well as container bookings for export that are highly uncertain. The exporter must adjust to consider additional cost risks from the much higher expenses. Including viewing the contract conditions for product delivery that there may be a delay from the original contract The currently affected products are products exported to Europe. Including automotive parts, tires, food and electronic parts and others.-514- Source: Thai News Agency