Nigerian importers now face fresh costs as French shipping giant CMA CGM introduces a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of $500 per 20-foot container, starting September 15, 2025.
The company will apply the levy to dry and refrigerated cargo from Asia, including China, Hong Kong and Macau, and it has not set an end date.
Although CMA CGM claims the fee supports “reliable and efficient services,” the firm offers little explanation.
Meanwhile, importers shoulder growing expenses.
They already pay freight rates, fuel surcharges, exchange rate adjustments, port handling, storage, customs fees, war risk premiums, and documentation charges such as bills of lading and terminal handling.
Now, this surcharge pushes their costs even higher.
Shippers Council response
In response, the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) vows to challenge the move.
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“Either they drop it, considering economic realities, or we negotiate a reduction,” said director of consumer affairs, Celestine Akujobi.
He noted that shipping lines often impose surcharges when cargo volumes rise faster than vessel or container capacity.
History shows CMA CGM has followed this path before.
In 2020, the company slapped a $1,500 PSS on US-origin cargo.
However, African and global shippers’ groups forced CMA CGM to withdraw the charge after strong pressure.
Importers Under Pressure
Now, clearing agents warn of serious fallout.
“Because of one policy somersault after another, and rising charges, some importers couldn’t cope at all,” said Sulaiman Ayokunle of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents.
He cautioned CMA CGM to avoid driving customers towards rivals that invest in better services.
Since Nigeria lacks a national carrier, foreign shipping lines continue to dictate the rules—and importers must adapt or risk collapse.
