The London-based IPBCC has said rates for a 20-foot container will rise by 200 dollars and for a 40-footer by 400 dollars from February 1.
The lines have also warned that further rate increases could be imposed from 1 April and 1 June to offset rising fuel prices and congestion at ports in the sub-continent.
South Asian ports, including Colombo, have seen a surge in cargo owing to India's trade boom.
On some days the arrival of a large number of ships within a short period forces the vessels to idle while waiting for a berth, raising costs for the lines.
Exporters said the announced freight rate hike is significant and could affect the cost of shipping goods to European markets if the lines go through with the increases.
But they also said they doub