Shipping lines that carry U.S. exports to Asia are expected to adjust their fuel surcharges on Jan. 1 to reflect new low-sulfur content rules and changes in operating conditions in the westbound trans-Pacific.

The Federal Maritime Commission, including William P. Doyle, commissioner of the transportation agency, has voted to take no further action to delay the effective date of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement amendment to include westbound trans-Pacific trade.

A combination of market indicators and forward bookings are pointing toward the early stages of an upswing in cargo volume on trans-Pacific trade routes, justifying the latest round of rate increases that took effect on April 1...