Maersk, CMA CGM Implement $2,000+ Peak Season Surcharges on China Trade Routes, Hitting East African Importers

Maersk and CMA CGM have introduced peak season surcharges (PSS) of up to $2,600 per container on critical China trade routes, according to shipping industry reports and official company filings. The surcharges, effective in late 2023, aim to offset rising operational costs amid heightened demand, but have sparked concerns among East African importers and manufacturers about supply chain affordability.

Surcharge Details and Affected Routes

Maersk’s PSS of $2,000 per container applies to trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes, with higher rates for “critical” China-to-Africa corridors, according to a company statement. CMA CGM’s surcharges, effective June 15, 2026, as reported by IndexBox, include a $2,600 fee for Asia-to-West Africa routes, citing “unprecedented fuel and port congestion costs.” Both carriers attribute the increases to global supply chain volatility, including geopolitical tensions and energy price fluctuations.

“The surcharges reflect the reality of today’s shipping market, where costs are driven by factors beyond our control,” a Maersk spokesperson said in a press release. CMA CGM’s announcement emphasized “sustaining service quality amid record-high demand.”

Impact on East African Importers

East African importers, already grappling with inflation and currency devaluation, face a margin squeeze as freight costs rise. Business Insider Africa reported that Kenyan and Tanzanian manufacturers have seen container prices increase by 30% since 2022, with surcharges exacerbating the pressure. “We’re forced to absorb the costs or pass them to consumers, neither of which is sustainable,” said a Nairobi-based textile company executive, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The African Union’s Trade and Industry Directorate highlighted the risk of “disproportionate economic strain” on regional businesses, noting that East Africa’s reliance on China for 60% of its imports makes it particularly vulnerable. A 2023 report by the World Bank found that shipping costs account for 15-20% of the final price of goods in the region, a figure expected to rise with the new surcharges.

Industry Reactions and Market Dynamics

The surcharges have drawn criticism from trade associations, including the East African Shippers’ Association, which called for “regulatory intervention to prevent price gouging.” Some analysts, however, argue that the increases are a reflection of broader market trends. FreightWaves reported that U.S. shipping rates to Asia have surged by 40% year-over-year, driven by port bottlenecks and vessel capacity constraints.

“These surcharges are a short-term fix for long-term structural issues in global shipping,” said Dr. Amina Khalid, a logistics expert at the University of Cape Town. “Without investment in infrastructure and alternative routes, costs will continue to escalate.”

What’s Next for the Industry?

Industry observers are monitoring whether other carriers, such as MSC and Hyundai Merchant Marine, will follow suit. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has urged transparency in surcharge calculations, warning that “lack of clarity could erode trust in the sector.” Meanwhile, East African governments are exploring subsidies and trade agreements to mitigate the impact on local businesses.

As the peak season progresses, the focus will shift to how importers adapt. Some companies are diversifying suppliers, while others are negotiating longer-term contracts with carriers to stabilize costs. The outcome could shape the region’s economic resilience in an increasingly volatile global market.

Maersk Official Statement | CMA CGM Surcharges Report | FreightWaves Analysis