By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
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.
More from Kenya
Although global container freight rates have moderated significantly from the record highs witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping companies continue to use temporary surcharges to manage capacity constraints and rising operational costs.
The Port of Mombasa, East Africa's busiest seaport, serves not only Kenya but also regional markets including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of northern Tanzania. Consequently, any increase in shipping costs through the port has implications beyond Kenya, potentially raising the cost of goods across the wider East African region.
Higher import costs could also complicate efforts to keep inflation low, particularly if businesses transfer the additional freight charges to consumers. Consumer products, construction materials, electronics, motor vehicle parts and industrial inputs sourced from China are among the goods most likely to be affected.
China remains Kenya's largest source of imports, accounting for a substantial share of the country's inbound merchandise trade.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), imports from China include machinery, electrical equipment, iron and steel products, plastics, textiles and other manufactured goods that are critical to Kenya's industrial and commercial sectors.
While the surcharge is initially targeted at short-term shipping contracts, CMA CGM indicated that it will remain in force "until further notice," meaning the duration of the additional freight charges will depend on market conditions and cargo demand.
For Kenyan importers, the latest adjustment adds another layer of cost uncertainty at a time when businesses are closely monitoring global supply chains, exchange rate movements and shipping disruptions that continue to shape international trade.