20th March 2026
Global shipping giant CMA CGM has announced a $600 peak season surcharge on container shipments from China to Nigeria and several West and Central African countries, including Angola, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, and Gabon. The surcharge, which takes effect on 15 March 2026, applies to all container types under short-term shipping contracts, including Freight All Kinds cargo, spot bookings, and monthly or quarterly arrangements. CMA CGM said the measure is intended to maintain reliable and efficient shipping services during the peak season and will remain in place until further notice.
The charge is calculated per twenty-foot equivalent unit and is in addition to other shipping costs, such as bunker-related charges, terminal handling fees, safety and security charges, and potential local port contingencies. The company warned that additional fees could be imposed depending on operational conditions and regulatory requirements at shipping terminals.
China remains Nigeria’s largest import partner, with bilateral exports reaching $24.9 billion in 2025, up from $18.9 billion in 2024. Trade growth has been driven by strong demand for electronics, consumer goods, construction materials, and manufacturing inputs. The new surcharge is expected to further raise import costs along one of Africa’s busiest trade corridors.
For import-dependent economies such as Nigeria, the additional $600 per container could eventually be passed on to consumers, potentially increasing retail prices. The move highlights the ongoing challenge of rising shipping costs globally, particularly during peak trade seasons, and underscores the broader impact of maritime logistics on African trade and regional markets.