Global shipping giant, CMA CGM has announced the introduction of a fresh Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on all shipments originating from China and destined for Nigeria and other West African ports.
This move, which marks a significant increase in freight costs for Nigerian importers, is expected to exert further pressure on the landing costs of goods and contribute to domestic inflationary trends in the coming months.
The new surcharge applies to all types of cargo, including dry, reefer, and special equipment.
According to the advisory issued by the Marseille-based carrier, the surcharge is set at $1,000 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $1,500 per 40-foot container (FEU).
The implementation of these fees follows a period of heightened demand and operational complexities on the Asia-West Africa trade route, which remains one of the busiest corridors for Nigerian trade.
The carrier attributed the decision to the need to maintain service reliability amidst fluctuating market conditions and a surge in cargo volumes during the current peak season.
The surcharge is scheduled to take effect immediately, covering all shipments loaded at Chinese ports, including Hong Kong and Macau, destined for the West African sub-region.
The timing of this surcharge is particularly sensitive for the Nigerian economy, which is already grappling with high foreign exchange volatility and rising operational costs at the seaports. Importers of raw materials, electronics, and essential consumer goods, the bulk of which are sourced from China—will now face higher logistics expenses.
Analysts suggest that these additional costs will likely be passed on to the end consumers, potentially driving up the prices of household items and industrial inputs.
Shipping experts note that Peak Season Surcharges are a common mechanism used by major carriers to manage equipment imbalances and port congestion.
However, the cumulative effect of various surcharges, including fuel adjustments and port-related fees, continues to challenge the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses that rely heavily on the maritime value chain for inventory management.