CMA CGM Slams $600 Surcharge on China-Nigeria Shipments
Global shipping giant CMA CGM has announced a $600 peak season surcharge on container shipments from China to Nigeria and other ports across the South Range region, a move that could drive up import costs along one of Africa’s busiest trade corridors.
The French carrier said the surcharge takes effect from 15 March 2026 and will remain in place until further notice, describing the measure as necessary to maintain “reliable and efficient shipping services during the peak season.”
The charge applies to all containers measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) under short-term arrangements covering Freight All Kinds (FAK) cargo, spot bookings, and both monthly and quarterly contracts.
Beyond Nigeria, the surcharge extends to Angola, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Gabon, and Cameroon — a cluster of import-dependent economies where higher freight costs can ripple quickly into retail prices.
Recall that trade between China and Nigeria has expanded sharply in recent years, fuelled by strong demand for electronics, consumer goods, construction materials, and manufacturing inputs.
According to data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics, Chinese exports to Nigeria climbed from $18.9 billion in 2024 to $24.9 billion in 2025, cementing China’s position as Nigeria’s largest import source.
CMA CGM warned that the peak season surcharge is separate from existing charges, including bunker-related fees, terminal handling charges at origin and destination ports, and safety and security levies.
The company also cautioned that additional contingency or local port charges could be imposed depending on operational conditions across shipping terminals.
