As the traditional peak shipping season approaches, the upward trend in container freight rates continues. Recently, CMA CGM issued its latest rate announcement, stating that from 15 June 2026, it will increase FAK rates from Asia to several destinations in the Mediterranean and North Africa. At the same time, the company is also adding a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on certain routes, further pushing up transport costs in relevant markets. Among these, the FAK for a 40ft container to Algeria reaches as high as US$9,200, and with the addition of the US$1,800 PSS, the total freight rate hits US$11,000, once again drawing market attention.

Comprehensive FAK increases on Mediterranean and North Africa routes

According to the CMA CGM announcement, the new FAK rates apply to cargo loaded between 15 June and 30 June 2026, covering shipments from major Asian ports to the following destinations:

• West Mediterranean

• Adriatic

• East Mediterranean

• Black Sea

• Algeria

The applicable cargo types include:

• Dry cargo

• Reefer

• OOG (Out of Gauge)

• Paying empties

The data shows that freight rates on Mediterranean routes remain on a clear upward trajectory. Taking the West Mediterranean as an example, the FAK for a 20ft container was around US$3,300 in mid-May, rose to US$4,000 in early June, and will increase further to US$4,800 from 15 June – an increase of nearly 50% in just one month. The increase to Algeria is even more pronounced, with the 40ft FAK climbing to US$9,200, making it one of the most expensive markets in this round of adjustments.

Actual transport costs further increase with PSS addition

In addition to raising FAK rates, CMA CGM also announced that from 15 June it will levy a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on Asia–Mediterranean and Asia–North Africa routes, at US$900 per 20ft container and US$1,800 per 40ft container. This means actual transport costs on the affected routes will rise further. For the West Mediterranean, for example, the FAK for a 40ft container is US$6,500; adding the US$1,800 PSS brings the ocean freight alone to US$8,300. For Algeria, the 40ft rate reaches the US$11,000 level. These figures do not yet include terminal handling charges (THC), bunker surcharges, security surcharges, or destination‑port fees, meaning actual logistics costs could be even higher.

CMA CGM simultaneously adjusts surcharges on West Africa and Maldives routes

In addition to the Mediterranean and North Africa, CMA CGM has recently issued new peak season surcharge notices for certain other routes.

West Africa routes
From 1 June, a PSS applies to certain cargo shipped from China to West Africa on short‑term contracts. Depending on the destination area, the surcharge amounts are: US$600/TEU for West Africa Central, US$400/TEU for West Africa South, and US$300/TEU for West Africa North. Major markets such as Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are all within the scope of the surcharge.

Maldives routes
For cargo shipped from the Far East to Malé, Maldives, CMA CGM has imposed a PSS of US$300/TEU effective from 28 May. Although the increase is relatively modest, it reflects shipping lines’ use of surcharges to enhance route profitability.

Rising trend in freight rates not yet over as peak season approaches

Industry insiders believe the current round of rate adjustments is driven by multiple factors. On one hand, traditional third‑quarter peak season demand is approaching, and booking demand continues to heat up. On the other hand, tensions in the Middle East have intensified concerns about energy costs and supply chain stability. At the same time, shipping lines are continuing capacity management measures such as void sailings and space control to maintain market balance, which also supports rate increases. Based on current market conditions, rates have already risen to varying degrees on several routes including the Mediterranean, North Africa and West Africa, and capacity on some popular markets is becoming tight. For cargo owners and freight forwarders, it will be important to closely monitor changes in shipping lines’ freight rates and surcharge policies in the coming period, and to plan shipments properly in order to mitigate the impact of cost fluctuations.