The U.S. government has revised its plan to charge a fee on Chinese-built ships that visit U.S. ports, but agricultural exporters say it will still significantly increase transportation rates for American shippers.

U.S. agriculture fears higher shipping rates

Canadian agricultural exporters welcome the idea that shipping fees may go up for one of their main competitors

Canadian agricultural exporters welcome the idea that shipping fees may go up for some of their main competitors in the U.S.








Grain is loaded onto ships for export at a port on the Parana River near Rosario, Argentina on Jan. 31, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Marcos Brindicci)

Bulk ocean freight rates fall from highs despite uncertainty

Container rates have climbed higher as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have caused diversions

The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), a major indicator of bulk shipping rates, has dropped sharply over the past month after hitting 18-month highs in early December. Meanwhile, container rates have climbed higher over the same period as attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea have caused many shipping companies to divert their vessels.

 (Photo: Reuters/Paulo Whitaker)

Houthi attack on dry bulk ship to boost grain diversions

About twenty per cent of grain shipments diverting around Cape

An attack on a dry bulk carrier this week in the Red Sea region is set to lead to more diversions of grain cargoes around the Cape of Good Hope but most are still willing to risk using the Suez Canal for now, shipping sources said on Tuesday.