Sea Freight Price Increase: Effective from 2026, Global Shipping Rates Soar

As 2026 approaches, global shipping companies are announcing significant price increases. Major carriers, including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd, have released notices about upcoming rate hikes, mainly impacting sea freight exports from Asia to Europe, the Mediterranean, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This blog post will explore the details of these freight cost increases, their impact on the international trade and shipping industry, and offer actionable suggestions for logistics companies and shippers to navigate these changes.

Sea Freight Rate Increase Details

1. CMA CGM Rate Adjustments

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Adjustments:

Asia to Northern Europe: Freight rates for cargo, including dry, refrigerated, and special containers, will increase for all ports in Asia (including Japan, Southeast Asia, and Bangladesh) to Northern European ports (including the UK and the full range from Portugal to Finland).

Peak Season Surcharge (PSS): Effective from December 29, 2025, a PSS of USD 250/TEU will be applied for contracts longer than 30 days.

2. MSC Freight Cost Recovery Surcharge (RRI)

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Adjustments:

Asia to Latin America: Shipping rates for South America West Coast, Caribbean, and Mexican ports will see an increase of USD 1,000 per container.

3. Hapag-Lloyd Rate Increase

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Adjustments:

Asia & Oceania to West and South Africa: Freight rates for 20ft, 40ft, refrigerated, and special containers will increase by USD 500 per container.

Impact of Freight Cost Increase

The upcoming sea freight rate hikes will significantly impact global shipping, especially for exporters from China and other Asian countries. Here are the key impacts:

Higher Shipping Costs: With the increase in base freight rates, the shipping cost for dry containers, refrigerated goods, and special cargo types will rise, putting additional pressure on businesses' logistics budgets.

Supply Chain Disruption: The increase in sea freight rates could lead to delays in delivery times, particularly during peak season when demand for shipping capacity is already high.

Pricing and Profit Margins: Exporters may face the challenge of passing these cost increases onto their customers or absorbing the higher charges themselves, which could reduce profit margins.

How to Respond to the Sea Freight Rate Increases

1. Review Existing Shipping Contracts
It is essential for shippers and logistics companies to quickly assess their existing shipping contracts, particularly those with long-term or seasonal terms. Renegotiating rates with shipping carriers could provide better terms in the wake of these increases.

2. Explore Alternative Shipping Routes and Solutions
In light of the rising shipping costs, companies should consider optimizing their transportation routes, exploring alternative ports, or utilizing multimodal transport options to mitigate the effects of price hikes.

3. Plan Ahead for Inventory and Shipping Needs
To avoid being hit by higher prices and shipping delays, businesses should consider booking shipments well in advance, especially for critical products. Communicate regularly with carriers to stay updated on any changes in rates or schedules.

4. Strengthen Collaboration with Supply Chain Partners
Building strong relationships with suppliers, carriers, and 3PLs (third-party logistics providers) can help businesses gain better pricing, more reliable service, and advanced knowledge of potential rate changes. Sharing resources and information can lead to more efficient logistics strategies.

Conclusion

The global freight cost increases announced for 2026 will have a significant impact on international trade, especially for businesses involved in sea freight. As shipping costs rise, companies must respond by renegotiating contracts, exploring alternative routes, and strengthening relationships within the supply chain. 

If you’re looking for more information on how these price increases will impact your logistics operations, or if you need expert advice on managing freight costs, feel free to reach out to our team!