According to 'Newsroom Panama' the increase, announced May 17, is ascribed to high fuel costs, the price of steel, ports, and containers. In the last five years oil prices have increased by 250%, while Maersk Line rates have dropped over 10% in Latin America compared to its competition, said Robbert Jan van Trooijen, manager of Maersk Line for Latin America. Although Maersk is one of the main users of the [Panama] Canal, ports and railways, the impact of rising rates will affect Panamanian exporters who send their products abroad by container.