# CMA CGM announces new freight surcharges across Africa and Middle East trades

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/cma-cgm-announces-new-freight-surcharges-across-africa-and-middle-east-trades/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-07T23:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-06T13:33:37+00:00
- **Section:** Markets
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Canada, CMA CGM, Container Shipping, Dar es Salaam, Freight Rates, Indian Subcontinent, Kenya, Maritime Markets, Middle East, Mombasa, Mozambique, Peak Season Surcharge, PSS, Rate Restoration Initiative, Red Sea, RRI, Shipping Surcharges, South China, Southeast Asia, Tanzania, West Africa

CMA CGM has announced a series of freight surcharge adjustments affecting container shipments from China and Southeast Asia to African destinations, alongside rate restoration measures covering cargo moving from Canada’s West Coast to the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East Gulf and Red Sea.

The four announcements, issued on 4 and 5 November 2026, establish different implementation dates and charges according to origin, destination and cargo type. The measures include Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) on Asia–Africa trades and a Rate Restoration Initiative (RRI) on selected Canada-origin shipments.

The new charges are scheduled to take effect between 10 November and 3 December 2026.

### New surcharges on China–Africa shipments

CMA CGM will introduce a Peak Season Surcharge of USD 400 per TEU for cargo moving from South China to Mozambique, effective from 10 November 2026 based on the loading date.

The charge applies to all cargo types and will remain in effect until further notice.

The carrier has also announced a PSS of USD 400 per TEU for shipments from China to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya.

For cargo originating in South China, the measure will apply from 10 November 2026. Shipments from North and Central China will be subject to the same charge from 15 November.

For China-origin shipments, CMA CGM stated that the surcharge is subject to the applicable Shanghai Shipping Exchange filing requirements and/or may be included in the ocean freight rate.

These measures extend the carrier’s latest pricing adjustments across several important East African import markets.

### Southeast Asia–West Africa PSS

A separate Peak Season Surcharge will apply to shipments from Southeast Asia to West Africa beginning on 15 November 2026.

The announced amount is USD 500 per TEU, covering dry and refrigerated containers under short-term contracts.

The surcharge applies to the specified regional trade rather than all shipments originating in Asia, and its applicability depends on the relevant contractual arrangements.

The measure follows earlier CMA CGM surcharge announcements affecting West African destinations, reflecting continued adjustments to the carrier’s pricing structure across the region.

### Rate restoration from Canada to the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent

CMA CGM has also announced its third Rate Restoration Initiative, designated RRI03, for cargo moving from Canada’s West Coast to destinations in the Middle East Gulf, Red Sea and Indian Subcontinent.

The measure will take effect on 3 December 2026 and will apply in addition to previous rate restoration initiatives.

For shipments to the Middle East Gulf and Red Sea, the announced increase is USD 1,000 per 20-foot container and USD 2,000 per 40-foot or 45-foot container.

For cargo destined for the Indian Subcontinent, the corresponding amounts are USD 600 per 20-foot container and USD 1,200 per 40-foot or 45-foot container.

The RRI excludes open-top and flat-rack equipment, while other cargo types fall within the announced scope.

Unlike the Asia–Africa Peak Season Surcharges, these measures are structured as rate restoration adjustments and apply to the specified Canada-origin trade lanes.

### Additional charges and implementation conditions

CMA CGM stated that the announced surcharges and rate restoration measures form part of its applicable freight pricing framework.

Bunker-related charges, terminal handling charges, safety and security surcharges and other local or contingency charges may apply separately, depending on the shipment.

The announcements establish the applicable surcharge amounts but do not provide revised all-inclusive ocean freight rates or estimates of their combined impact on individual shipments.

Shippers using the affected trade lanes will therefore need to consider the applicable implementation dates, equipment categories and contractual conditions when calculating transportation costs.

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Cite as: "CMA CGM announces new freight surcharges across Africa and Middle East trades", pelavox., 8 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/cma-cgm-announces-new-freight-surcharges-across-africa-and-middle-east-trades/