CMA CGM announces new Peak Season Surcharges effective 1 October 2026 for Asia-to-US trade, impacting costs for exporters.
CMA CGM has issued formal notice of a new round of Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) effective 1 October 2026, applicable to cargo exported from the Far East, Indian Subcontinent, and Bangladesh to the United States, with the surcharges remaining in force until further notice. On select services to the US East Coast and Gulf Coast, the PSS will reach as high as USD 10,000 per container.
Far East to United States: Up to USD 5,065 per Container
According to the notice issued by CMA CGM on 9 September, cargo exported from the Far East (excluding Bangladesh) to the United States will be subject to the following PSS rates: USD 3,600 per 20-foot container; USD 4,000 per 40-foot container; and USD 5,065 per 45-foot container. These rates apply to all cargo, with the exception of shipments destined for Honolulu and Dutch Harbor. CMA CGM has noted that for cargo originating from China, the applicable PSS will be implemented subject to filing with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and/or incorporated within the ocean freight rate.
Indian Subcontinent and Bangladesh to US East Coast and Gulf Coast: USD 10,000 per Container
The sharpest increases in this adjustment cycle apply to trade lanes originating from the Indian Subcontinent and Bangladesh. PSS rates from the Indian Subcontinent and Bangladesh to the US West Coast align with those applicable to the Far East - USD 3,600 for 20-foot containers, USD 4,000 for 40-foot containers, and USD 5,065 for 45-foot containers. However, for shipments from the Indian Subcontinent and Bangladesh destined for the US East Coast and Gulf Coast, the PSS rises to USD 10,000 per container, applicable to all cargo regardless of container size - whether 20-foot, 40-foot, or 45-foot units. A customer advisory issued by CMA CGM India on 4 September similarly confirms that effective 1 October, PSS rates of USD 10,000 will apply across 20-foot, 40-foot, 40-foot high-cube, refrigerated, and 45-foot containers on the relevant trade lanes.
Effective 1 October - Shippers Advised to Recalculate Transportation Costs in Advance
The latest surcharge schedule from CMA CGM reflects considerable variation in PSS levels depending on the origin region and US destination port. The surcharge of USD 10,000 per container on services from the Indian Subcontinent and Bangladesh to the US East Coast and Gulf Coast, in particular, will materially increase total transportation costs on those trade lanes. It is important to note that PSS constitutes an additional charge levied above the base ocean freight rate. CMA CGM has further advised that bunker surcharges, origin and destination Terminal Handling Charges (THC), security-related surcharges, and other contingency and local charges may apply separately.
Freight forwarders and export enterprises with US-bound shipments planned in the near term are advised to take close note of the 1 October effective date, and to confirm the applicable final rates directly with the carrier in advance - accounting for origin, destination port, container type, and the specific terms of their contracts and quotations - in order to avoid cost estimation discrepancies arising from surcharge adjustments.
