Exporters in Vietnam are expecting difficult times as ocean shipping companies increase their freight rates to Europe. The problem is that exporters of food products such as rice and seafood have usually agreed C & F prices (i.e. including the freight charges) in advance with their customers, and they say that importers are unwilling to pay extra to cover the increased freight charges being imposed by shipping lines. Several ocean freight carriers have increased their charges from mid-January, after exporters have already agreed prices with their customers overseas.