With a maximum of US$1,600/container, the three major shipping companies have successively raised surcharges, putting Asian export costs under pressure again
Sunny Worldwide Logistics It is a logistics company with more than 20 years of transportation experience, focusing on markets such as Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Southeast Asia. It is more of a cargo owner than a cargo owner~
In recent times, export companies are no longer unfamiliar with "price increases." From peak season surcharges, fuel surcharges to various regional fee adjustments, shipping companies continue to adjust route revenue through surcharges. Recently, CMA CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd have successively issued new fee notices, involving multiple routes from Asia to Africa and some long-distance trade directions. For freight forwarders and export companies, the problem is not only "an extra cost", but also that in this year's peak season transportation environment, more and more costs are being transmitted to cargo owners.
Recently, CMA CGM, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have successively issued announcements to adjust peak season surcharges on multiple routes from Asia and Oceania to Africa. The relevant charges will take effect from October 22 to 26.
CMA CGM: Adjustments to PSS routes from China to West Africa, Durban and Mozambique
CMA CGM announced that starting from the shipping date on October 22, it will impose a peak season surcharge on short-term contract cargo of dry containers and reefer containers from China to West Africa.
The specific standards are:
West Africa Central Route (Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Togo) USD 350/TEU ;
Southern West Africa route (Angola, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Gabon, Cameroon) USD 550/TEU ;
Northern West Africa route (Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe) 250 USD/TEU ;
Maintenance from China to Guinea Conakry 200 USD/TEU constant.
In addition, CMA CGM announced that starting from the shipment date on October 22 (until further notice), it will impose additional charges on all cargo on the route from the Far East to Durban, South Africa. USD 750/TEU ;Additional charges for all cargo on the route from China to Mozambique 200 USD/TEU .
Maersk: Adjustments to PSS on routes from China to West Africa
Maersk announced that starting from October 26 (until further notice), peak season surcharges will be imposed on cargo shipped from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to all ports in West Africa.
Charging standards are: 20-foot dry box and refrigerated box US$800/box ; 40-foot dry box and refrigerated box USD 1,600/box ; 45 feet high box USD 1,600/box . This PSS is not applicable to SPOT bookings; the applicable rates for non-SPOT bookings are determined based on the price calculation date, and the fees are charged according to the ocean freight payment terms.
Hapag-Lloyd: Adjusts PSS routes from Asia and Oceania to West Africa and Southwest Africa
Hapag-Lloyd announced that starting from the shipping date on October 25, all container types from China, South Korea, Japan and Oceania to some northwest African destination ports will be subject to additional charges. USD 400/TEU , until further notice. Applicable destination ports include Nouakchott, Mauritania, Dakar, Senegal, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Monrovia, Liberia and Banjul, The Gambia.
From the same day, all container types shipped from China, South Korea, Japan and Oceania to some ports in Southwest Africa will be charged additional fees. USD 800/TEU . Applicable destination ports include Luanda, Lobito and Cabinda in Angola, Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo, Matadi and Boma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libreville and Port Gentil in Gabon, Kribi and Douala in Cameroon, Walvis Bay in Namibia, and Bata and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.
Why do shipping companies frequently adjust surcharges recently?
Since the beginning of this year, the global shipping market has been in a relatively special state. On the one hand, the growth in cargo volume brought about by the traditional peak season is still continuing; on the other hand, factors such as the Red Sea detour, port congestion, and reduced ship turnover efficiency have increased the operating costs of some routes. For shipping companies, through additional fees such as PSS and OWS, they can more flexibly adjust the income levels in different markets. Especially for some long-distance routes, such as Asia to Latin America and Asia to Africa, operating costs are more likely to be affected due to long voyages and large differences in port efficiency.
But for cargo owners, the biggest trouble with surcharges is that they are not as easy to lock in advance as basic ocean freight rates, but are constantly subject to new adjustments during the transportation process. Export companies with already thin order profits often find it difficult to fully absorb these new costs.
It is recommended that relevant cargo owners and freight forwarding companies pay attention to the latest freight rate adjustments in a timely manner, inquire about shipping schedules and freight rates, and make cargo transportation plans in advance.
