Up to $1500 Sea Freight Cost Increase: PSS and FAK Updates from CMA, MSC, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd

YQN Operation Team

If you are shipping cargo from the Far East this May, prepare for a significant sea freight cost increase. Major carriers including MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Maersk have officially rolled out substantial rate hikes effective mid-May 2026.

Driven by early peak season demand and sustained operational pressures, these adjustments impact Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates and introduce steep Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) reaching up to $1,500 per container.

Below is a summary of the latest official sea freight cost increases.

Maersk PSS Updates

• Far East to East Coast South America

Peak Season Surcharge (Effective May 25, 2026): The Latin American market is experiencing an intense surge in demand after the international labor holiday. In response, Maersk is aggressively adjusting its pricing structure for routes connecting the Far East (including China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia) to the East Coast of South America (covering major ports in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay).

The new PSS of USD 1,500 per container will be applied to all container types, including 20' dry, 40' dry, 40' High Cubes, and reefers.

MSC FAK Updates

• Far East to North Europe and the Mediterranean

FAK Rates (Effective May 15–31, 2026): MSC has announced a comprehensive update to its FAK rates for all cargo departing from Far East ports (including China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia) destined for North Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea,with 20' DV at USD 2,700–5150 and 40' DV at USD 4,500–6,900.

Note: MSC’s new FAK rates are based on base port-to-port ocean freight and include GFS and ECA surcharges, while CLS and CRS are additional charges; out-ports may incur TAO/TAD fees, and FAK rates exclude IMO-category and high-value cargo.

CMA CGM PSS Updates

• From China to East Africa

Peak Season Surcharge (Effective May 15/21, 2026): CMA CGM announced a PSS for all cargo from China to East African regions.

From official website of CMA CGM

Hapag-Lloyd New FAK

• Far East to North Europe and the Mediterranean

FAK Rates (Effective May 15, 2026): Hapag-Lloyd has revised its FAK tariffs for 20' and 40' dry and reefer containers (including High Cubes). These rates apply to all sailings from Far East (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) to North Europe, East Mediterranean and West Mediterranean.

Note: Hapag-Lloyd’s updated FAK rates include the Marine Fuel Recovery (MFR) surcharge but remain subject to standard tariff conditions and security fees.

Conclusion

This May 2026 sea freight cost increase proves that ocean capacity remains a seller's market. With surcharges jumping by up to $1,500 and base rates climbing across the board, waiting to book your cargo will almost certainly result in higher supply chain costs.

We strongly advise shippers to forecast their inventory needs immediately and lock in vessel space at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to the planned departure date.

YQN Logistics can help you optimize your shipping routes and secure priority space before the next wave of rate hikes. Chat with our expert (WhatsApp: +44 7873 164583) to lock in your freight rates today!