From June 3 to 10, 2026, four leading global ocean carriers including CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk and Wan Hai have released a series of rate increase notices for key shipping routes across Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean and North America. Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) and rate restoration fees have been widely implemented, with the highest surcharge reaching $2,600 per 40-foot container, marking a notable cost hike for international sea freight.
CMA CGM will charge an extra $600 per TEU for shipments from Asia to Northern Europe starting June 15. For voyages from the East Mediterranean to North America, PSS will be set at $1,300 per TEU and $2,600 per FEU effective July 1. Hapag-Lloyd immediately raised rates for Mediterranean-North America routes by $300 per TEU and $600 per FEU, and will add a $1,000 container surcharge for cargo traveling from the Indian Subcontinent to North America on July 1. Maersk also launched new PSS on routes linking the Far East to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and South America. Meanwhile, Wan Hai plans to apply a rate restoration fee of up to $200 per container on intra-Asia lanes from June 15 onwards.
Three main factors lead to this round of price adjustments. First, the traditional shipping peak season has arrived earlier than usual, as European and North American retailers accelerate inventory restocking, pushing cargo volumes sharply higher. Second, carriers keep controlling vessel capacity, resulting in tight space on mainstream routes. Third, rising geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz bring extra navigation risks, higher insurance costs and additional fuel expenses.
The new surcharges will exert a profound impact on exporters, especially those doing business between China and Europe or North America. Overall logistics costs for China's outbound shipments will climb remarkably in the third quarter of 2026. Exporters have to update quotations in a timely manner, and negotiations for long-term shipping contracts will face obvious pressure. In addition, strong demand means shippers need to book container space much earlier to avoid cargo rollover.
To ensure smooth delivery, businesses are suggested to confirm full shipping costs in advance and arrange bookings 7 to 14 days ahead of schedule. Cooperating with reliable logistics providers will also help cope with the fluctuating freight market and guarantee stable transportation services.
