Merchants protest shipping charges

The Trinidad and Tobago Man-ufacturers Association (TTMA) and members of the Shipping Association of TT may soon hold talks to thrash out differences arising from an increase in shipping charges. A spokesperson from the TTMA yesterday noted that prior to a release being issued from the Association, the Shipping Associ-ation had asked for a meeting. In the release, the TTMA condemned what it called the imposition of arbitrary charges on all shipments, whether imported or for export, which it maintained would result in significant price increases to consumers.

In the last several months, the Association stated, there has been an “unprecedented” increase in the imposition of new charges. These charges include a local administrative charge, bunker surcharges, terminal handling charge and a general rate increase. The TTMA argued that the imposition of this charge amounted to “anti-competitive conduct” and “offends the spirit and intent of the Chaguaramas Treaty, Protocol 8.” “We are further advised that the unilateral fixing of prices would also offend the proposed Fair Trading Legislation which would make it unlawful to make or carry out an anti-competitive horizontal agreement, which restricts, distorts or prevents competition and has the objective or effect of monopolising the market,” it stated.

Concern was also voiced by the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), which it is said, has received numerous complaints over the past 12 months from its members, exporters, importers, customs brokers and customs clerks. A release from DOMA said that the Association had sought and was promised a meeting with the Shipping Association to address its concerns. “With regret we were unable to have this meeting despite our several requests,” the release stated. “Our Association is deeply concerned that the current situation may actually become worse,” it went on to state, adding that by agreeing among themselves on the type and quantum of charges to apply, the Shipping body is actually using its Association to engage in “price-fixing” and therefore beginning to assume the role of a cartel