Spot prices for transpacific shipping services have grown by more than 180% during the past 12 months to reach a five-year high.

Experts describe the increase as a "mini container shipping boom".

Shipping consultant Drewry's Hong Kong-Los Angeles container rate benchmark hit US$2,607 per 40ft container last week ?C 19% higher than the previous week and 182% higher than the same week in 2009.