Summary
Three major shipping lines – CMA CGM, MSC and Maersk – have announced November rate adjustments, tightening supply-demand conditions on Asia-Europe and Asia-Pacific routes amid traditional peak season demand. CMA CGM and MSC are raising freight rates on some Asia-Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Africa routes, with increases of up to US$500 per container for certain container types. Maersk is imposing a peak season surcharge (PSS) on cargo from Asia to Australia, New Zealand and some Pacific island nations, with surcharges of up to US$500 per 20-foot container and up to US$1,000 per 40-foot container.
The news was published by the 出海快讯 column on 22 October 2026.
Commentary
Maersk's peak season surcharge on Asia-New Zealand routes – up to US$500 per 20-foot container and US$1,000 per 40-foot container – directly raises logistics costs for New Zealand importers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand rely heavily on Asian supply chains, particularly for consumer goods, electronics and industrial components from China and Southeast Asia. The surcharge will squeeze margins, with a pronounced impact on low-value goods.
Against the broader industry backdrop, global shipping has faced overcapacity and demand fluctuations since the pandemic, but peak season surcharges show carriers still hold pricing power and are managing capacity to sustain rates. New Zealand's small market size and limited shipping line options leave SMEs with weak bargaining power, often forcing them to accept higher prices passively. Meanwhile, CMA CGM and MSC's rate increases on Asia-Mediterranean routes reflect recovering demand toward Europe, which could divert some capacity and indirectly affect slot supply on Australia-New Zealand routes.
New Zealand importers should monitor freight rate volatility, plan inventory ahead, or consider less-than-container load (LCL) shipping and adjusted procurement timing to reduce costs. Exporters should also note that persistently high freight rates could erode the price competitiveness of New Zealand goods in Asian markets.
Keywords: CMA CGM, MSC, Maersk, freight rate increase, peak season surcharge, Asia-Mediterranean routes, Australia-New Zealand routes, containers, November freight rates
Source: Amazon Navigation
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