Maersk doubles China-East Africa surcharge to US$2,000 per container
The surcharge applies only to non-spot bookings and is charged on a freight-paid basis, affecting pre-arranged shipping contracts.
EAST AFRICA – Maersk has doubled its peak surcharge on China-East Africa cargo to US$2,000 per 40-foot container, effective 15 June 2026.
As of June 15th, the 20-foot container surcharge will increase from US$900 to US$1,000, while 45-foot high-cube dry containers will incur a US$2,000 surcharge.
The adjustment comes as East African economies remain heavily dependent on imports from China for industrial equipment, electronics, construction materials, vehicles, and consumer goods.
Dar es Salaam Congestion Drives Higher Charges
For cargo destined for Dar es Salaam, 20-foot container surcharges rose from US$750 to US$1,000, while 40-foot containers increased from US$1,050 to US$1,400.
John Mwasingo, a Mombasa-based clearing and forwarding agent, said: “We expect more shipping lines to follow suit. The charges for Tanzania will continue to rise further compared to Kenya due to port congestion being experienced at Dar es Salaam port.”
For fresh-produce exporters and logistics operators, higher surcharges on 40-foot reefers will increase the landed costs of temperature-sensitive agricultural imports. Meanwhile, Dar es Salaam’s congestion-related premium further pressures Tanzanian perishable supply chains.
Trade Imbalance and Inflationary Pressure
China accounts for approximately a quarter of East Africa’s imports. In 2025, Kenya imported goods worth US$4.3 billion from China, including machinery, electronics, motor vehicles, construction materials, and steel products.
By contrast, Kenya’s exports to China remain between US$200 million and US$310 million annually, mainly tea, coffee, and titanium ore.
Economist James Mwangi said, “Shipping costs are a critical component of the total cost of imports. Any increase in freight charges has a direct impact on product prices across multiple sectors.” He noted that businesses importing machinery, electronics, steel products, and industrial inputs from China could face significant increases in operational expenses.
Supply Chain Implications and Consumer Impact
The surcharge applies only to non-spot bookings and is charged on a freight-paid basis, affecting pre-arranged shipping contracts. The revised rates are determined by the applicable Price Calculation Date and remain subject to additional charges, including local port fees and contingency charges.
For logistics investors and fresh-produce supply chains, Maersk’s surcharge increases reveal the vulnerability of East African economies to shifts in maritime pricing. Businesses face a difficult choice between absorbing costs and passing them on to local consumers.
Overall, the move of substantial trade imbalances with China makes East African economies particularly sensitive to shifts in international maritime pricing.
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