HYUNDAI RAISES EASTBOUND ATLANTIC RATES

   Non-conference carrier Hyundai Merchant Marine said that it will increase rates for all eastbound transatlantic tariff cargo next month.
   Tariff rates for all eastbound dry cargo will go up by $160 per 20-foot container and $200 per 40-footer, effective Jan. 6. Hyundai said that service contract rates will also be adjusted "on a case-by-case basis."
   The rate increases are identical to to those announced by the Trans-Atlantic Conference Agreement. TACA intends to raise eastbound Atlantic rates from the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts by $160 per 20-foot container and $200 per 40-foot or 45-foot container.
   Hyundai is also following increases in bunker adjustment factors announced by TACA. Hyundai’s bunker charge increases will take effect on Jan. 2, it said.
   The rate increases sought by shipping lines in the eastbound transatlantic trade are the first for more than a year and follow sharp reductions in eastbound rates during 1999.