Importers and exporters in Bangladesh are bracing for higher costs as major foreign shipping lines begin levying additional surcharges at the Chattogram port in response to rising operational expenses. The move follows the government’s announcement on September 14 of a 41 percent average increase in service charges at the port.
France-based container shipping giant CMA CGM has introduced an “Emergency Cost Recovery Surcharge” ranging from $45 to $350 per container. The surcharge will be effective from October 26, 2025, based on the vessel berthing date at Chattogram port, and applies to all import and export shipments regardless of shipment terms or contracts.
Under the new charges, a 20-foot dry container will incur a $40 surcharge, while a 40-foot dry container will carry $70. High-cube containers will attract higher fees, and refrigerated and hazardous containers face surcharges ranging from $40 to $305, depending on size and cargo type.
The Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) has expressed concerns over the tariff hike and urged the Ministry of Shipping and the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to reconsider the implementation timeline. BSAA Chairman Syed Mohammad Arif warned that other foreign shipping lines are likely to follow CMA CGM’s lead, further raising trade costs.
Industry experts note that while foreign buyers usually bear export-related shipping costs, importers will face direct financial impacts. Khairul Alam Suzan, former vice-president of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA), emphasized that the additional surcharges would ultimately affect exporters as well.
The ready-made garment (RMG) sector is expected to be particularly hard-hit, paying the surcharge twice — for importing raw materials and exporting finished goods. M A Salam, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), highlighted the risk to the RMG sector’s competitiveness, which is already challenged by additional tariffs from the US market.
Salam called on the government to reconsider the recent port tariff hike to protect the country’s export sector and maintain its position in global markets.
