Shipping Giants Impose Surcharges Together, Raising Global Supply Chain Costs Again

Due to market changes and new environmental rules, four major shipping companies have introduced extra fees at the same time. These fees mainly affect key trade routes between Asia-Europe and Asia-America. The adjustments focus on two areas: busy season charges and environmental compliance costs, which will significantly increase cross-border shipping expenses.  一、Busy Season Surcharges Increase(Asia-America Routes)  

1.Maersk(starts May 15): Applies to 16 Far East regions(excluding Mainland China and Hong Kong) shipping to North America. Fees: $1,000/TEU, $2,000/FEU.  

2.Hapag-Lloyd(starts May 12): Covers 16 East Asian regions (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan)shipping to North America. Fees same as Maersk.  

3.CMA CGM (started April 15): Adds $150/TEU for dry containers on China-to-Central West Africa routes(except Nigeria).  

二、.Environmental Compliance Costs Rise  

1.Mediterranean Emission Rules:  

  -CMA CGM(starts May 1): Charges $10-20/TEU for Asia↔Mediterranean shipments in both directions because of stricter sulfur limits.  

  -ONE (starts May 7): Adds $50/TEU "Low Sulphur Fee" on all routes to meet environmental laws.  

 2.Heavy Cargo Fees:  

  CMA CGM charges $400 per 20-foot container over 20 tons on Far East→Northern Europe routes (started April 15).  

三、Cross-Ocean Rate Hikes   

• Hapag-Lloyd raises General Rate Increase (GRI) for Asia→Latin America (starts May 1):  

  -West Coast/Caribbean: $500/TEU  

  -East Coast: $500/TEU  

  (Delayed to May 19 for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands).  

四、Industry Impacts  

1.Cost transfer effect**: Extra fees will push up logistics costs for U.S./Canada, Mediterranean, and West African markets. Exporters must prepare.  

2.Regulatory compliance costs**: Stricter IMO rules force shipping companies to upgrade ships, passing costs to customers.  

3.Busy season warning**: North America routes face double fee hikes. Exporters should book shipping space early.  

4.Regional differences**: Fees vary across East Asian ports. Note separate rules for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.  

(Note: Fee start dates depend on shipment loading dates. Customers should confirm details with booking agents.)