CMA CGM announces new peak season surcharges on Asia–Africa routes
CMA CGM has announced a series of Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) adjustments affecting container shipments from Asia to several African destinations, with implementation dates scheduled for mid-to-late October 2026.
The changes cover shipments from the Far East to Durban, South Africa, from Southeast Asia to northern West African destinations, and from China to Mozambique.
The highest announced surcharge is USD 750 per TEU for shipments from the Far East to Durban, while the other two adjustments are set at USD 200 per TEU.
New surcharges across three trade corridors
The revised charges will apply according to the loading dates and geographical coverage specified in CMA CGM’s individual customer advisories.
| Trade route | PSS | Effective loading date |
|---|---|---|
| Far East → Durban, South Africa | USD 750/TEU | 22 October 2026 |
| Southeast Asia → Northern West Africa | USD 200/TEU | 15 October 2026 |
| China → Mozambique | USD 200/TEU | 22 October 2026 |
The USD 750 per TEU surcharge applies to all cargo shipped from the Far East to Durban, beginning on 22 October and remaining in effect until further notice.
For shipments from Southeast Asia to northern West Africa, CMA CGM has announced a USD 200 per TEU surcharge effective from 15 October. This adjustment applies to all cargo under short-term contracts.
The destinations covered by the West African measure include Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.
A separate USD 200 per TEU surcharge will apply to all cargo moving from China to Mozambique from 22 October until further notice.
Additional charges and regulatory conditions
CMA CGM stated that the announced PSS amounts are separate from the applicable basic ocean freight rates.
Depending on the shipment, additional costs may include bunker-related surcharges, terminal handling charges at origin and destination, safety and security charges, and other local or contingency fees.
For shipments originating in China, the carrier noted that the relevant PSS measures are subject to filing with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and/or may be included in the ocean freight rate.
The three announcements introduce different surcharge levels across the affected corridors, with the Durban route carrying the largest additional charge.
The measures are scheduled to take effect on their respective loading dates, subject to the conditions specified in CMA CGM’s customer advisories.
