French shipping giant CMA CGM has announced the implementation of a peak season surcharge (PSS) on its container shipping services from Asia to North Europe, citing high demand and operational pressures during the peak shipping period.
The surcharge will apply to all full container loads (FCL) from major Asian ports, including China, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, to ports in North Europe, such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp. While the exact surcharge rates vary by container type and trade lane, industry sources suggest the increase could be in the range of USD 400–600 per TEU.
CMA CGM said the move aims to offset rising operational costs and congestion-related delays at key hubs, while maintaining service reliability for shippers during the high-demand season leading up to the Lunar New Year and Western holiday peaks.
Industry analysts note that such surcharges are becoming increasingly common as global shipping faces tight capacity, port congestion, and fuel price volatility, signaling continued pressure on freight rates in the coming months.
CMA CGM has advised its customers to plan bookings and stay updated on potential rate adjustments as the peak season surcharge takes effect immediately.