CMA CGM announces new surcharges across Asia–Africa trade routes
CMA CGM has announced a series of new and updated freight surcharges covering container shipments from Asia to destinations across Africa, with the changes scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2026.
The announcements include Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) on shipments from China and Southeast Asia to several African markets, alongside a separate Overweight Surcharge (OWS) for heavy 20-foot dry containers moving from China to East Africa. The highest announced PSS reaches USD 900 per TEU on selected West African routes.
The applicable charges vary according to origin, destination and cargo type. Some of the measures specifically apply to short-term contracts, while the carrier has also outlined conditions concerning shipments originating in China.
West Africa covered by several surcharge updates
CMA CGM has announced a PSS of USD 900 per TEU for dry and refrigerated cargo moving from China and its Special Administrative Regions to the southern West African range. The destinations include Angola, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Gabon and Cameroon.
For the central West African range, covering Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Equatorial Guinea and Togo, the carrier has set a PSS of USD 700 per TEU. Ghana is excluded from this adjustment, with its existing surcharge remaining unchanged. Shipments to Senegal will be subject to a PSS of USD 400 per TEU, while charges for other destinations in the northern West African range remain unchanged.
These measures apply to dry and refrigerated cargo under short-term contracts, effective from the loading date of 1 November 2026. Separately, CMA CGM has announced a USD 300 per TEU PSS for dry cargo shipped from Southeast Asia to West Africa, also applicable to short-term contracts from the same date.
Additional charges for East and Southern Africa
For shipments from China to Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius and South Africa, CMA CGM has announced a PSS of USD 300 per TEU. The measure covers all cargo types and applies to short-term contracts from 1 November.
The carrier has also introduced a USD 300 per TEU PSS for cargo moving from China to Mombasa in Kenya, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in Tanzania, and Port Victoria in Seychelles. A separate USD 250 per TEU surcharge will apply to shipments from China, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia to Malé in the Maldives.
In addition to these peak season charges, CMA CGM has announced an Overweight Surcharge for 20-foot dry containers transported from China to East Africa. The charge will amount to USD 300 per container with a gross weight exceeding 18 tonnes, effective from 1 November until further notice.
Unlike the PSS amounts calculated per TEU, the overweight surcharge is assessed per qualifying 20-foot dry container.
Implementation conditions and additional costs
CMA CGM states that the relevant PSS for shipments originating in China will be subject to filing with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and/or included in the ocean freight rate.
The carrier also notes that the announced surcharges do not necessarily represent the full cost of transportation. Depending on the shipment, bunker-related charges, terminal handling charges, safety and security surcharges, contingency charges and local fees may also apply.
The November announcements cover several distinct trade lanes and charging conditions, requiring customers to assess the applicable surcharge according to their shipment’s origin, destination, equipment and contractual terms.
