Prices are rising daily! Up to $2000 per container! A fierce wave of price increases has arrived!
Major Shipping Routes See Comprehensive and Significant Price Increases
According to the latest information from Yihangyun, the shipping market, which had been quiet for half a year, has recently become "volatile"! Since the end of April, many routes, including North America, South America, Europe/Mediterranean, and Africa, have suddenly seen a surge in prices, experiencing both full bookings and skyrocketing costs.
Some shipping companies have even introduced daily price increases, with some routes seeing increases of up to $2,000 per container.
Faced with this sudden surge, many freight forwarders lamented that they no longer know how to quote prices to their clients! (Due to the rapid changes in freight rates)
Maersk: Maximum Increase of $2,000 per Container
According to the latest information from Yihangyun, yesterday (May 21), market bellwether Maersk announced a significant increase in peak season surcharges for its China-West Africa route, effective June 1st, with an astonishingly large increase!
Specific surcharge details are as follows:
Details
Origin: Greater China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan)
Destination: All regions of West Africa (except Senegal)
Supplementary Rate: USD 1000 per 20 feet; USD 2000 per 40 feet
Effective Date: June 1, 2026
Contract Booking: Based on PCD (Price Calculation Date)
SPOT Booking: Based on the ETD of the first voyage at the time of booking confirmation
Northern West Africa: Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, Mali
Central West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso
Southern West Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Namibia, Central African Republic, Chad
CMA CGM: Increases rates daily
What if a significant increase in freight rates isn't enough? CMA CGM's answer is to add a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS).
According to the latest information from Yihangyun, following its announcement on May 20th of a significant increase in freight rates from Asia to Europe to $2,900 for small containers and $4,700 for large containers, just one day later, on May 21st, CMA CGM issued another announcement, stating that on top of the price increase for the Asia-Europe route, a high Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) will be added, at $500 for small containers and $1,000 for large containers!
Both charges will take effect on June 1st! Furthermore, freight rates may increase again on June 15th (the currently announced freight rate is only valid until the 14th).
[Image: Freight rate increase on May 20th]
[Image: Peak season surcharge added on May 21st]
Peak season surcharge: $2000/container
On May 20th, Maersk announced that, starting June 4th, it will significantly increase the peak season surcharge (PSS) from Far East Asia to Mexico, the West Coast, South America, and Central America and the Caribbean.
Maersk seems to be aiming for a blanket peak season surcharge: a uniform $2000 PSS surcharge for all container types, regardless of size!
[ Image: South America and Caribbean to be subject to an additional $2,000/container PSS surcharge ]
Middle East Peak Season Surcharge: Up to $2,000/container
Meanwhile, Maersk announced that it will impose a peak season surcharge (PSS) on shipments from the Asia-Pacific region, including China, to the Middle East starting June 1st, with a maximum increase of $2,000/container.
[ Image: Middle East to be subject to an additional $1,000-$2,000/container PSS surcharge ]
One Shipping has noted that this wave of price increases has recently swept across all routes including North America, Europe, the Mediterranean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia!
Yesterday, Wan Hai Lines, a bellwether for Asian shipping routes, also announced that starting from week 23, it will implement a rate restoration (RR) increase on Asian routes, with an increase of USD 100/200 as the Notice below.
NOTICE
Wan Hai Lines – Asia Service RR (Rate Restoration) Implementation Announcement
In light of the ongoing escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and significant fluctuations in international oil prices resulting in increased operating costs, Wan Hai Lines, in order to maintain service stability and operational quality on its Asia service, and to ensure long-term and reliable transportation, has decided to implement necessary rate adjustments after careful evaluation.
Effective from Week 23 of 2026, Wan Hai Lines will implement a Rate Restoration (RR) on its Asia service. The adjustment amounts are as follows:
USD 100 per 20' container
USD 200 per 40' & HQ container
This RR adjustment reflects recent increases in operating costs caused by external uncontrollable factors. Wan Hai Lines will continue to closely monitor market and regional developments, and will respond prudently to future changes while balancing customer interests and service quality.
We appreciate our customers’ long-standing support and understanding. For further information, please contact your local Wan Hai Lines sales representative.
