Beginning May 3, these surcharges will apply to shipments departing from Türkiye and Greece to various destinations, including the East Coast of Canada, the East Coast and Gulf of the U.S., as well as the West Coast of the U.S. The fees will apply to both dry and refrigerated cargo, with the exception of out-of-gauge (OOG) items. Charges are set at $500 for 20-foot containers and $1,000 for 40-foot, 40-foot high-cube, and 45-foot containers.

These surcharges are part of CMA CGM’s strategy to address seasonal demand fluctuations and effectively manage capacity during peak shipping periods.

Considerations:

While CMA CGM’s announcement of peak season surcharges aims to optimize capacity and respond to seasonal demand, the effectiveness and implementation of these surcharges may be influenced by the current economic landscape, particularly concerning tariffs.

With ongoing trade tensions and tariff increases, shipping costs are already under pressure. If tariffs continue to rise, importers and exporters may adjust their strategies, potentially reducing overall shipping volumes. This shift could lead to decreased demand for shipping services, which may undermine the need for surcharges.

Moreover, if tariffs significantly impact consumer prices, businesses might reconsider their shipping routes and volumes, further complicating the situation for carriers like CMA CGM. Companies could seek alternative shipping solutions or delay shipments to avoid the financial burden of increased costs.

In this context, while CMA CGM’s surcharges are designed to address expected seasonal demand, the broader economic pressures from tariffs may affect whether these surcharges are fully realized or if adjustments are needed. The evolving trade environment will likely play a crucial role in determining the actual impact of these new fees on shipping operations.