Kenya, June 29, 2026 – Importers shipping goods from China to Kenya will face higher freight costs from July 1 after global shipping giant CMA CGM announced a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on cargo destined for East African ports, a move expected to increase the cost of imported goods and place additional pressure on businesses already grappling with elevated logistics expenses.
The French shipping line said the surcharge will apply to short-term shipping contracts covering cargo from China to major East African destinations, including the Port of Mombasa, as it seeks to maintain service reliability during the global peak shipping season.
“The Peak Season Surcharge will apply on short-term contracts from July 1, 2026 until further notice,” CMA CGM said in a customer advisory.
The company added that, “The measure is part of our continued effort to provide customers with reliable and efficient services.”
Under the new tariff, importers bringing goods into Mombasa Port will pay an additional $750 (approximately KSh96,750) per 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) container for both dry and refrigerated cargo.
Cargo destined for Dar es Salaam will attract an additional $500 (about KSh64,500) per TEU, while shipments to Zanzibar will incur surcharges ranging between $900 and $1,100 (approximately KSh116,100 to KSh141,900) per TEU depending on the port of origin in China.
The surcharge comes as East Africa continues to depend heavily on Chinese imports, including electronics, machinery, construction materials, industrial equipment, textiles, household goods and manufactured products that support both retail and industrial sectors.
The higher freight charges are likely to increase the landed cost of imports, forcing businesses to either absorb the additional expense through lower profit margins or pass it on to consumers through higher prices.
Kenya’s manufacturing sector, which relies heavily on imported raw materials and machinery from China, could also feel the impact if shipping costs remain elevated for an extended period.
The announcement comes at a time when global shipping lines continue to adjust freight pricing amid seasonal demand, ongoing supply chain realignments and geopolitical uncertainties affecting international trade routes.
Peak Season Surcharges are commonly introduced by shipping companies during periods of increased cargo volumes, particularly in the months leading up to year-end festive demand when exporters accelerate shipments to international markets.