# CMA CGM announces peak season surcharge changes across major trade routes

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/cma-cgm-announces-peak-season-surcharge-changes-across-major-trade-routes/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-17T20:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-16T13:41:57+00:00
- **Section:** Markets
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** China–South Africa Trade, CMA CGM, Container Freight Rates, Peak Season Surcharge, Reefer Shipping, South America Exports

The carrier has outlined revised charges for shipments from China and South America, alongside a new surcharge on refrigerated cargo moving from Morocco to West Africa.

CMA CGM has announced a series of Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) changes covering container shipments from China, South America and Morocco, with implementation dates spanning late October and November 2026.

The measures apply to several trade corridors, including China–South Africa, South America–Europe and refrigerated cargo movements between Morocco and West Africa.

The announced charges vary according to the origin, destination, equipment type and applicable loading date.

## Higher surcharges on China–Durban shipments

CMA CGM has outlined PSS charges for shipments from China to Durban, South Africa, covering specific loading periods in October 2026.

For cargo originating in South China, the surcharge will be US$1,050 per TEU for shipments loaded between 22 and 31 October.

For shipments from North and Central China, the surcharge will be US$1,150 per TEU, applicable to loading dates between 28 and 31 October.

Both measures apply to all cargo categories.

The carrier noted that surcharges on shipments originating in China are subject to applicable filing requirements with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and may be included in the ocean freight rate.

## South America export surcharge updated

From 15 November 2026, CMA CGM will apply revised PSS charges on dry container shipments from Brazil, excluding the northeastern region, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The destination range includes Northern Europe, the Baltic region, Scandinavia, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the Black Sea, North Africa, the Middle East and the Red Sea.

The announced charges are US$700 per 20-foot container and US$900 per 40-foot container.

An exception applies to shipments from Rosario, Argentina, to the Middle East Gulf, which are excluded from the surcharge.

## New reefer surcharge from Morocco

Separately, CMA CGM will introduce a PSS of €250 per TEU on refrigerated container shipments from Morocco to West Africa.

The charge will take effect on 1 November 2026, based on the cargo loading date, and will remain applicable until further notice.

The carrier stated that bunker-related surcharges, terminal handling charges, security charges and other applicable fees may be added to the underlying freight rates.

The three announcements introduce different charging structures across the affected corridors, with the final cost depending on the shipment’s route, container type and other applicable tariffs.

---
Cite as: "CMA CGM announces peak season surcharge changes across major trade routes", pelavox., 17 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/cma-cgm-announces-peak-season-surcharge-changes-across-major-trade-routes/