CMA CGM Raises China-to-Central Africa Peak Season Surcharge to $400 per TEU
Global shipping line CMA CGM has announced a sharp increase in its Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for cargo shipments from China to several Central and Southern African countries, raising the fee to $400 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) effective October 15, 2026.
The surcharge applies to both dry and refrigerated cargo transported under short-term shipping contracts and covers destinations including Cameroon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Angola, and Namibia.
The move marks a significant jump from the $75 per TEU surcharge that CMA CGM had maintained since September. The increase of $325 per TEU represents a rise of more than 430%, adding new cost pressures for importers reliant on Chinese goods.
For businesses importing large volumes, the financial impact could be substantial. An importer shipping 100 TEUs from China would see its PSS bill increase from $7,500 to $40,000, an additional cost of $32,500, or roughly 19 million CFA francs.
However, the PSS represents only one component of overall shipping costs. CMA CGM notes that customers may also face additional charges, including fuel surcharges, Terminal Handling Charges (THC) at origin and destination ports, as well as various fees related to security, safety requirements, contingencies, and local port operations.
The latest announcement highlights the continued volatility of freight surcharges on African trade routes. Earlier this year, CMA CGM introduced a $75 per TEU PSS for shipments to the South West Africa region, a level that remained unchanged through late September before the latest adjustment.
For Cameroonian companies, many of which depend heavily on imports from China for manufacturing inputs, equipment, and consumer goods, the surcharge increase is expected to further raise logistics expenses. The ultimate impact on businesses and consumers will depend on shipment volumes, cargo types, contractual arrangements, and the base freight rates negotiated with carriers.
Industry observers note that rising shipping costs could place additional pressure on import prices across Central Africa, particularly for sectors closely linked to global supply chains.
