Importers in Nigeria are set to face higher freight costs after global shipping giant CMA CGM introduced a new Peak Season Surcharge on cargo arriving from China, signalling mounting pressure on supply chains serving West Africa’s largest economy.
From today, 27 March 2026, shipments into Nigeria will attract a surcharge of 575 US dollars per twenty-foot equivalent unit, a move the company says is necessary to maintain service reliability during a period of strong demand. The announcement places Nigeria at the centre of the latest pricing adjustment, reflecting its position as a key destination for Asian imports into the region.
The surcharge also extends to other fast-growing West African markets, including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo and Equatorial Guinea, where a slightly higher rate of 590 dollars per unit will apply. The measure covers all cargo types and is targeted primarily at short-term shipping contracts.
Peak Season Surcharges are commonly imposed by carriers when cargo volumes surge or when operational challenges begin to strain available capacity.
CMA CGM said the latest surcharge is designed to ensure efficient and dependable services along key Asia–West Africa routes, which have grown in importance as regional economies expand and demand for imported goods increases. For Nigeria and its neighbours, however, the added costs could filter through to businesses and consumers already navigating a complex economic environment shaped by currency pressures and import dependence.