Two of China's major ports are implementing increases in container handling fees for 2022 mainly citing higher operating and labour costs, infrastructure upgrades and expenses related to preventing and controlling the Covid-19 outbreak.

China's Ningbo-Zhoushan port — one of the world's busiest cargo ports — is set to hike handling charges by 10% for loading and unloading starting January 1, 2022.

It said the rate changes will apply to foreigh trade import and export 20-foot and 40-foot loaded and empty containers. 

The 10% rate increase is estimated to pull around RMB400 million (US$62.8 million) profit for Ningbo-Zhoushan port next year. 

Guangzhou port to also raise fees

Meanwhile, Guangzhou port in South China is also looking to implement an increase in international handling charges next year — as more Chinese ports are expected to also implement similar hikes in container handling fees in 2022.

The port will raise handling charge for 20-foot empty international trading container to RMB357 (US$56) from RMB300 (US$47.13) or an increase of 19%.

The loaded international trading container handling charge for barge container and trailer container will also be raised from RMB540 (US84.84$)and RMB490 (US$76.99) to RMB583 (US$91.60), or a hike of 8% and 19%.

Charges for 40-foot containers are also 1.5 times of 20-foot containers. 

Handling charges are usually set by ports independently based on its operations.