Global shipping giant CMA CGM has imposed a new peak season surcharge (PSS) on cargo shipments from China to Nigeria, Ghana, and several other West African countries. This development comes barely a week after the French shipping company announced a PSS of $500 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) on cargo shipments from South-East Asia to West Africa, effective June 15, 2026.
Details of the New Surcharge
In a notice issued by the shipping company, the new surcharge applies to both dry and refrigerated (reefer) cargo transported under short-term contracts from China to destinations across West and Central Africa. CMA CGM cited efforts to maintain reliable and efficient shipping services during the peak trading period as the reason for the surcharge.
Regional Breakdown of Surcharges
Under the revised surcharge structure, shipments destined for Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin Republic, and Equatorial Guinea will attract a PSS of $750 per TEU. Togo-bound cargo will incur the highest surcharge in the region at $850 per TEU, while shipments to Ghana will attract $650 per TEU.
The shipping company also announced a separate surcharge of $350 per TEU for cargo heading to the West Africa North range, comprising Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, as well as Sao Tome and Principe. CMA CGM fixed the surcharge for shipments to Gambia at $600 per TEU for both dry and reefer cargo. However, the shipping line noted that no PSS would apply to cargo shipments from China to Guinea.
Effective Date and Applicability
According to the company, the surcharge takes immediate effect from June 15, 2026, and applies exclusively to short-term contractual agreements. The company further stated that for exports originating from China, the surcharge will be subject to filings with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and may be incorporated into ocean freight rates where applicable.
Impact on Importers and Consumers
The surcharge is expected to increase shipping costs for importers across West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, which remains one of the region's largest import markets. The additional costs will eventually be passed on to consumers through higher prices of imported goods. CMA CGM advised customers that the PSS is separate from basic freight charges and does not include other applicable fees such as bunker-related surcharges, terminal handling charges, safety and security levies, contingency charges, and local port charges.
The latest surcharge announcement, the company stated, comes amid sustained demand on Asia–Africa trade routes and growing pressure on shipping lines to manage capacity and operational costs during peak cargo seasons.
