Nigerian-bound cargo from China to pay $600 as peak season surcharge

Global shipping company, CMA CGM, has announced a peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of $600 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) on all cargo shipments from China to Nigeria and other West and Central African countries.

In a notice yesterday to importers, the container shipping company said the surcharge would take effect from March 15, 2026, until further notice, as part of efforts to maintain reliable and efficient shipping services during the peak season.

The development is expected to increase the cost of moving cargo from China into West and Central Africa, a major trade corridor for consumer goods, electronics, textiles, construction and industrial materials, heavy machinery and manufacturing inputs.

China remains Nigeria’s largest import partner, with data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics showing that China-Nigeria export trade rose from $18.9 billion in 2024 to $24.9 billion in 2025.

According to the shipping advisory, the surcharge will apply to all cargo types originating from China and destined for Nigeria and other countries within the South Range, including Angola, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Gabon and Cameroon.

CMA CGM stated that the $600 charge will apply to all containers per TEU under short-term contracts, including Freight All Kinds (FAK), spot bookings, as well as monthly and quarterly agreements.

The shipping group noted that the surcharge is separate from other applicable shipping costs.

The company noted that other surcharges, including bunker-related surcharges, terminal handling charges (THC) at origin and destination, and safety and security-related charges, may also apply depending on the shipment.

The shipping line added that additional contingency and local charges could be imposed where applicable, in line with operational and regulatory requirements across ports. (Guardian)