Shipping Industry Enters a New Round of Rate Increases

The global container shipping market has entered another cycle of freight rate increases in June 2026, as carriers continue implementing Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), General Rate Increases (GRI), Overweight Surcharges (OWS), and other additional charges.

Although CMA CGM has issued a series of highly visible announcements affecting cargo originating from China and Asia, the latest developments reflect a broader industry trend rather than isolated actions by one carrier.

Major carriers including MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen and HMM have all adjusted pricing or introduced additional surcharges on various trade lanes.

As global demand improves and vessel capacity remains tight, many analysts believe the industry has entered the traditional peak season earlier than expected.

CMA CGM Announces Multiple Surcharges Across Key Trade Lanes

East Africa and Indian Ocean

Effective June 7, 2026, CMA CGM introduced Peak Season Surcharges ranging from USD 200 to USD 600 per TEU for cargo moving from China to East Africa and Indian Ocean destinations.

Mauritius

Shipments from China and Southeast Asia to Port Louis, Mauritius are now subject to a PSS of USD 275 per TEU.

West Africa

Beginning June 8, 2026, CMA CGM implemented higher Peak Season Surcharges for short-term contracts.

Central West Africa

Affected countries include:

• Nigeria
• Ivory Coast
• Benin
• Ghana
• Togo
• Equatorial Guinea

Applicable surcharge:

USD 750 per TEU for dry containers and reefer containers.

Southern West Africa

Countries affected include:

• Angola
• Republic of Congo
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Namibia
• Gabon
• Cameroon

Applicable surcharge:

USD 525 per TEU.

West Coast South America

An Overweight Surcharge (OWS) of USD 400 per TEU has been imposed on dry containers weighing over 20 tons.

The measure affects cargo moving from the Far East to the West Coast of South America, including:

• Peru
• Chile
• Ecuador
• Colombia

For Ecuador and Colombia, the surcharge became effective on June 22.

South Africa

From June 15, 2026, shipments from China to:

• Durban
• Port Elizabeth
• Cape Town

became subject to a Peak Season Surcharge of USD 250 per TEU.

Northern Europe

Cargo moving from Asia to Northern Europe is now subject to a PSS of USD 600 per TEU.

Mozambique and Madagascar

Additional surcharges have been announced for shipments to Mozambique and Tamatave, Madagascar.

Freight Rate Increases Extend Across the Entire Industry

The current upward trend is not limited to CMA CGM.

Several leading carriers have introduced new charges or announced rate restoration measures in response to tightening supply and stronger cargo demand.

These include:

• MSC
• Maersk
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Ocean Network Express (ONE)
• COSCO Shipping
• Evergreen
• HMM
• ZIM

Industry sources suggest that more carriers are expected to announce additional increases throughout July and August.

Why Are Freight Rates Rising Again?

Strong Export Demand

Manufacturing activities across Asia have remained resilient during the second quarter of 2026.

Many importers are advancing purchase orders and replenishing inventories ahead of the third quarter peak season, contributing to stronger cargo volumes.

Tight Capacity Management

Shipping lines continue to carefully manage capacity through:

• Blank sailings;
• Service adjustments;
• Vessel deployment optimization.

As a result, available space has become increasingly limited on several routes, particularly:

• Africa;
• Europe;
• Latin America.

Ongoing Red Sea Crisis

The security situation around the Red Sea continues to affect global shipping networks.

Many carriers are still rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

Consequences include:

• Longer transit times;
• Higher fuel consumption;
• Equipment shortages;
• Increased operating costs;
• Schedule disruptions.

These additional expenses are gradually being passed on to the market through various surcharges.

Port Congestion Remains a Concern

Congestion at some ports continues to affect schedule reliability.

Longer waiting times and vessel delays have further tightened effective capacity and increased logistics costs.

Latin America Routes Face Additional Pressure

For exporters and importers serving Latin America, market conditions have become increasingly challenging.

Particularly affected countries include:

Mexico

Rising demand and capacity adjustments continue to support higher freight rates.

Colombia

Additional overweight surcharges have been introduced for heavy cargo.

Peru

Space availability has tightened on several services.

Chile

Seasonal demand and equipment shortages have created upward pressure on rates.

Ecuador

Heavy cargo shipments are now subject to additional charges.

Brazil

Strong import demand continues to support relatively firm freight levels.

Companies shipping to Latin America should closely monitor carrier announcements and book cargo earlier to avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Africa Trade Shows Significant Rate Growth

Africa has become one of the strongest-performing regions in 2026.

Trade lanes to:

• Nigeria;
• Ghana;
• Angola;
• South Africa;
• Kenya;
• Tanzania;
• Mozambique;

have all experienced upward pressure due to limited capacity and growing demand.

Many carriers have responded by introducing Peak Season Surcharges and adjusting service networks.

Europe Routes Continue to Recover

Freight rates from Asia to Europe have also shown signs of recovery.

Increasing demand combined with ongoing Red Sea diversions has tightened vessel capacity and supported higher pricing.

Northern Europe remains one of the most closely watched trades during the current market cycle.

What Should Shippers Do?

Book Earlier

Advance bookings can help secure vessel space and reduce the risk of rollovers.

Monitor Carrier Announcements

PSS and GRI programs can change rapidly and vary significantly between carriers.

Maintain Flexible Supply Chains

Building flexibility into shipping schedules can help reduce disruption risks.

Work with Reliable Logistics Partners

Experienced freight forwarders can help businesses navigate changing market conditions and identify alternative solutions when necessary.

Outlook for the Third Quarter of 2026

Most market participants expect freight rates to remain relatively firm during the third quarter.

Several factors are likely to continue supporting the market:

• Strong seasonal demand;
• Capacity discipline by carriers;
• Continued Red Sea disruptions;
• Equipment imbalance;
• Port congestion.

While the pace of increases may vary among different trade lanes, additional surcharges and General Rate Increases are expected throughout the coming months.

For importers and exporters, proactive planning and timely booking will remain essential for maintaining supply chain stability.

How AONE Cargo Supports Customers

At AONE (HK) CARGO SERVICE CO., LTD., we continuously monitor market developments and provide customers with updated freight information and customized logistics solutions.

Our services cover:

• Ocean Freight;
• Air Freight;
• LCL Consolidation;
• Door-to-Door Services;
• Customs Clearance;
• Project Cargo;
• Latin America Logistics Solutions.

We help importers and exporters manage transportation risks and maintain efficient supply chains in an increasingly volatile market environment.

FAQ

Why are shipping lines imposing Peak Season Surcharges?

PSS is typically introduced when demand exceeds available capacity and carriers face rising operational costs.

Which shipping lines have increased rates in June 2026?

Major carriers including CMA CGM, MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen, HMM and ZIM have announced various surcharge programs or rate increases.

Which regions are most affected?

Africa, Europe and Latin America have experienced the strongest upward pressure.

Will freight rates continue to rise?

Current market fundamentals suggest that rates are likely to remain relatively strong throughout the third quarter of 2026.

How can shippers reduce the impact of rising freight costs?

Early booking, flexible planning and cooperation with experienced logistics partners can help minimize supply chain disruptions and unexpected expenses.