Up to $1,000 Ocean Freight Increase 2026: Latest GRI, FAK, and PSS Updates from Major Carriers
As of late July 2026, major global carriers including MSC, COSCO shipping, CMA CGM, and Maersk have officially issued notices for freight increase effective from July 2026. These adjustments involve FAK, GRI and PSS across several key global trade lanes. In this article we focus on the freight increase from the Far East.
MSC New FAK
1. Far East to North Europe, Mediterranean and Black Sea
FAK Rates (July 15–31, 2026): MSC has announced updated FAK rates for cargo from all Far East ports to Northern European, Mediterranean (including West Med, East Med, Adriatic and North Africa) and Black Sea ports, with 20' DV at USD 5,005–6,800 and 40' DV at USD 7,600–16,100.
For spot freight rates, please search ocean freight on our online rate search engine.
COSCO Shipping New FAK
Far East to Europe & Mediterranean (West bound)
FAK Rates (July 15–31, 2026): MSC has announced updated new FAK rates for cargo from the Far East (including Japan, Korea, SE Asia) to Europe & Mediterranean (West bound), with 20' GP at USD 4,750–5300 and 40' GP at USD 7,000–7,500.
From Far East Base Port To Europe FAK Rates Table
From Far East Base Port To Mediterranean FAK Rates Table
CMA CGM PSS Updates
China to West Africa
- Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) (Effective July 16, 2026): CMA CGM announced a PSS for dry and reefer cargo under short-term contracts from China to all West African regions. While general increases reach up to $150/TEU, check the table below for details.
| Origin Region | Destination Range (West Africa) | Specific Countries / Ports | Surcharge Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | West Africa North Range | Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Gambia, Sao Tome & Principe | USD 0 (Previous USD 200 cancelled) |
| China | West Africa Central Range | Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, Ghana, Togo, Equatorial Guinea | USD 125 per TEU |
| China | West Africa South Range | Angola, Congo, DRC, Namibia, Gabon, Cameroon | USD 125 per TEU |
Maersk PSS Updates
Far East to North Europe and Mediterranean
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) (Effective Argust 3rd, 2026): Maersk has announced a new PSS for cargo originating from Far East Asia (Excluding Korea, South) to North Europe and Mediterranea. A flat surcharge of USD 500 per container (covering all equipment types) will be implemented with staggered effective dates: August 3rd for most Far East origins, August 10th for shipments from Korea.
| Origin | Destination | Container Size | Effective Date | Currency | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Far East Asia (Excluding Korea, South) | North Europe and Mediterranean | All 20' | 03-Aug-2026 | USD | 250 |
| Far East Asia (Excluding Korea, South) | North Europe and Mediterranean | All 40'& 45' | 03-Aug-2026 | USD | 500 |
| Far East Asia (Excluding Korea, South) | Syria | All 20' | 03-Aug-2026 | EUR | 220 |
| Far East Asia (Excluding Korea, South) | Syria | All 40'& 45' | 03-Aug-2026 | EUR | 440 |
The above information is based on public carrier announcements in July 2026. For precise booking rates, please search real-time freight rates on YQN’s logistics rate search engine.
Why are ocean freight rates rising in July 2026?
To understand the ocean freight increase 2026 trend, we must look at three critical supply chain factors:
1. Shipping Volume: Carriers are pushing for higher rates to capitalize on the manufacturing ramp-up after the Chinese New Year.
2. Capacity Constraints: Persistent equipment shortages in Europe and vessel rerouting have tightened supply.
3. Geopolitical Risk: Regional instability (war) has forced further route diversions (such as bypassing the Red Sea), leading to higher operational costs and increased risk premiums.
Conclusion
The 2026 ocean freight increase is a clear signal that the market remains under pressure. With GRI and PSS updates reaching up to $1,000, shippers are advised to book at least 3-4 weeks in advance to avoid further rate hikes and equipment delays.
YQN Logistics can help you to lock your shipping space. You can chat with our expert (WhatsApp: +44 7873 164583) to secure your shipping space now!
