Further evidence, if it was needed, of the chronic shortage of containers in Asia was seen today when the Marseilles-based CMA CGM announced that it would apply surcharges for cargo to the Mediterranean and Africa from Far Eastern ports of origin.
Applicable from 15 November the carrier will levy a peak season surcharge as follows:
- Origin Range: From all Asian ports
- Destination Range: To all Mediterranean & North Africa ports
- Cargo: all cargo
- Date of application: From 15 November, date of loading in the origin ports, until further notice
- Amounts: US$300/20′ and US$600/40′ container (for Syria: €300/20′ | €600/40′).
In addition, all cargo loaded in 40’ high cube containers from 16 November originating in Asian ports, including China, Taiwan, South Korea, South East Asia, East Coast of India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka (but excluding Japan), heading for the African West Coast, East Coast and South Africa, will be subject to a US$200/container surcharge.