Middle East Trade Advisory

MSC Announces Peak Season Surcharge for India–US Trade

Global container shipping line Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for shipments moving from India to the United States.

According to a customer advisory issued by MSC, the surcharge will apply to cargo moving from India to the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Gulf Coast, and San Juan (Puerto Rico). The surcharge will come into effect for containers handed over to MSC from 1 April 2026.

The announced surcharge is:

• USD 1,500 per 20’ container (DV, SOC, SOT, Reefer, Open Top, Flat Rack)
• USD 1,500 per 40’DV/HC & 45’ containers (SOC, SOT, Reefer, Open Top, Flat Rack)

The shipping line stated that the surcharge is being implemented to maintain service reliability and operational efficiency amid evolving market conditions.

The new charge will apply to all containers handed over to MSC custody starting 1 April 2026, including both dry and refrigerated cargo.

Industry observers note that peak season surcharges are commonly introduced by ocean carriers during periods of increased demand or operational pressure on key trade lanes.

CMA CGM Announces Peak Season Surcharge Increase on US Trade Routes

French container shipping giant CMA CGM has announced a significant increase in its Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for shipments moving from South Asia and the Middle East to the United States.

According to a recent client advisory, the surcharge will apply to cargo moving from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Middle East Gulf, and Red Sea ports to ports on the U.S. East Coast and U.S. Gulf Coast.

The revised surcharge will take effect in two phases:

Effective 2 April 2026

• USD 4,500 per 20’ container
• USD 6,000 per 40’ / 40HC / Reefer / 45’ containers

Effective 15 April 2026

• USD 6,000 per 20’ container
• USD 9,000 per 40’ / 40HC / Reefer / 45’ containers

The adjustment will apply to both tariff and service contract shipments moving through the specified trade lanes.

Industry analysts say such increases are typically implemented during periods of rising demand or capacity pressure in container shipping markets.

Reports about the broader shipping environment and geopolitical developments affecting global maritime trade have also been highlighted in recent coverage on international logistics news platforms such as Reuters and India Briefing, published within the last 24 hours.

Nearly 1,000 Export Containers Stuck at JNPA

India’s export logistics are feeling the impact of the Middle East shipping crisis, with nearly 1,000 containers of perishable cargo stranded at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) near Mumbai.

The containers—mostly carrying onions, grapes, bananas, and other fresh produce bound for Gulf markets—are unable to move due to suspended container services and vessel rerouting.

Exporters report rising operational costs, with refrigerated containers incurring ₹7,000–₹8,500 per day in storage and inspection charges while waiting for shipping lines to resume normal operations.

Dubai serves as a major transshipment hub for Indian agricultural exports, making the disruption particularly significant during the Ramzan demand period.

Industry bodies warn that if delays continue, exporters may be forced to redirect shipments to domestic markets, potentially affecting prices and supply chains.

U.S. Container Imports Expected to Remain Weak in 2026

Containerized imports into the United States are expected to remain below 2025 levels through the first half of 2026, according to industry forecasts.

The slowdown is largely attributed to tariff uncertainty and shifting trade policies that continue to affect global supply chains. Analysts say these developments could influence shipping demand and container volumes across key trade lanes.

For ocean carriers and freight forwarders, the trend may contribute to continued volatility in freight rates and vessel capacity deployment.

MSC Introduces Emergency Fuel Surcharges on Multiple Routes

Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced emergency fuel surcharges for shipments originating from the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions to destinations including the Indian subcontinent, the Red Sea, and East Africa.

The surcharge will take effect from 16 March 2026 and remain in place until at least 31 March 2026, applying on a per-container basis.

Shipping companies say the measure reflects rising operational costs and volatility in global shipping routes, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting maritime trade.

MSC Halts Certain Export Shipments from Gulf Amid Rising War Risks

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping line, has halted certain export shipments from Gulf ports as security risks escalate in the region.

The decision follows growing concerns over safe navigation in key maritime corridors, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping companies have been reassessing routes and operations as geopolitical tensions continue to impact vessel movement.

Industry analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could affect cargo availability and container capacity on Asia–Middle East trade routes.

India Eases Port Procedures as Hormuz Disruptions Force Cargo to Return

India has announced temporary measures to simplify port procedures after several cargo shipments were forced to return due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities are allowing faster documentation processing and easing compliance requirements for vessels and containers rerouted back to Indian ports.

The move comes as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt global shipping routes, forcing vessels to divert or delay sailings. Logistics operators say the policy is aimed at preventing port congestion and ensuring that cargo affected by the crisis can be processed quickly.

For exporters and importers, the temporary relief measures are expected to reduce delays and operational costs while shipping routes remain uncertain.

Emergency War Risk Surcharge Introduced for Red Sea Shipments

Carriers have introduced an Emergency War Risk Surcharge (EWRS) for cargo moving through the Red Sea due to rising geopolitical tensions and increased security risks affecting regional shipping operations.

The surcharge applies to shipments linked to destinations including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Djibouti, and Sudan.

Surcharge levels include:

• USD 2,000 per 20’ container and USD 3,000 per 40’ container for Saudi Arabia and Jordan

• USD 2,500 per 20’ container and USD 5,000 per 40’ container for Djibouti and Sudan

The surcharge applies to new bookings as well as cargo already in transit, as shipping lines implement additional measures to manage operational risks in affected waters.

Maersk Halts Cargo Operations in Several Middle Eastern Countries

Global shipping giant Maersk has temporarily suspended most commercial cargo bookings to several countries in the Middle East due to escalating regional security risks.

The suspension affects shipments linked to the United Arab Emirates, Oman (except Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and parts of Saudi Arabia, as shipping lines reassess vessel safety and operational conditions across regional trade routes.

The move comes amid wider disruptions to maritime traffic near the Strait of Hormuz, which has forced carriers to revise routes, introduce emergency surcharges, and temporarily halt bookings.

While some essential cargo shipments may still be accepted on a case-by-case basis, the suspension highlights growing instability in regional shipping networks, with global supply chains expected to face capacity shortages, rising freight rates, and longer transit times in the coming weeks.

Carriers Declare ‘End of Voyage’ for Shipments Bound to Arabian Gulf

Shipping disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East are forcing carriers to declare an “End of Voyage” for certain shipments destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf.

Under this measure, cargo already in transit will be diverted to the nearest safe port, where it will be discharged and made available to customers for local recovery or further arrangements. The advisory also applies to empty containers already released for export loading to Gulf destinations.

To cover deviation and operational costs, carriers are introducing a mandatory surcharge of around USD 800 per container on affected shipments. Additional expenses such as handling, storage, and related charges at the diversion port may also apply.

Customers wishing to move cargo onward to another destination will need to arrange a new transport booking, as shipping lines continue to monitor the evolving situation across regional maritime routes

Emergency War Surcharge Announced for Indian Subcontinent–East Africa Trade

Shipping lines have introduced an Emergency War Surcharge (EWS) on shipments moving from the Indian Subcontinent to parts of East Africa following escalating security concerns affecting maritime routes near the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

Effective 5 March 2026, the surcharge applies to cargo bound for destinations including Somalia, Mozambique, and several Indian Ocean Islands.

Surcharge Levels:

• USD 500 per TEU for dry containers

• USD 1,000 per TEU for reefer containers

The measure reflects rising operational risks and disruptions across key Middle East maritime corridors, with carriers continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Middle East Trade Advisory: Air Freight Capacity Shifts & Routing Adjustments

The ongoing Middle East situation is also having measurable repercussions on air freight capacity and routing due to evolving airspace restrictions and airline operational decisions.
Several international carriers have revised flight paths to avoid conflict-adjacent airspace, resulting in capacity constraints, adjusted schedules, and longer transit times for air cargo originating from or destined for the region. These changes are driven by safety considerations, national aviation authority notices, and shifting load planning.

What Shippers Need to Know:

• Airspace Rerouting: Key flight paths across the Gulf and eastern Mediterranean corridors have been modified, forcing some flights to take longer routes that increase fuel costs and reduce available lift.
• Capacity Limitations: Limited aircraft availability and higher demand for secure routing may result in tighter booking windows and premium pricing for urgent lanes.
• Transit Delays: Extended airborne times and adjusted flight schedules may impact high-urgency cargo, including perishables and time-critical shipments.
• Documentation and Clearance: Export documentation is being subject to additional checks in certain airports to comply with heightened regulatory requirements.

FreightMango recommends that customers planning air shipments allow sufficient lead time, reconfirm space availability and routing, and work closely with their logistics coordinator to secure airlift on preferred carriers.
Our advisory team is actively tracking airline notices, IATA advisories, and air traffic announcements to provide customers with the most recent insights and alternative solutions as the situation evolves.

Unifeeder Announces Emergency Surcharge for Middle East Shipments

Shipping line Unifeeder has introduced an Emergency Surcharge (EMS) for shipments connected to the Middle East due to the ongoing regional situation impacting shipping operations.

Effective 3 March 2026 until further notice, the surcharge will apply to bookings and loadings to and from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, among others.

Emergency Surcharge Rates:

• USD 2,000 per 20’ Dry Container

• USD 3,000 per 40’ Dry Container

• USD 4,000 per Reefer or Special Equipment

The surcharge will apply in addition to existing freight rates and may also affect containers already released, loaded, or currently in transit, as carriers take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of vessels, crew, and cargo.

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Middle East Conflict Triggers Freight Rate Increases

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing major disruptions across global shipping and logistics networks, prompting carriers to introduce immediate freight rate increases and additional surcharges.

According to a client advisory issued by Global Logistics Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd., escalating geopolitical tensions are impacting vessel routing, insurance premiums, bunker costs, and operational risks across multiple trade lanes.

Carriers have announced emergency surcharges, war risk premiums, and freight rate revisions, which are effective immediately and may also apply to existing long-term contracts. Previously agreed freight rates may no longer be valid for shipments that have not yet sailed, and additional surcharges could apply depending on routing, transshipment hubs, and sailing schedules.

The company noted that the situation remains highly fluid, and further freight rate volatility is expected in the short term as the industry continues to monitor developments.

Carrier War Risk Surcharges and Freight Rate Volatility

Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East have triggered significant adjustments across global freight markets, with multiple carriers announcing war risk surcharges, emergency cost add-ons, and revised freight rate structures for cargo moving to, from, or through key Middle East trade lanes.

These measures have been introduced as carriers reassess operational risk, insurance exposure, and route security in response to escalating regional tensions. Affected trade routes include the Gulf region, Persian Gulf corridors, Red Sea transits, and connecting deepsea and transshipment hubs.

Key Operational Impacts:

1. War Risk Surcharges (WRS): Carriers are implementing WRS on ocean freight bookings, effective immediately. These surcharges vary by carrier and are being applied regardless of existing contract terms.
2. Rate Revalidations: Previously agreed freight rates may be rescinded or revalidated at point of booking if cargo has not yet been uplifted.
3. Schedule Adjustments: Some carriers are announcing blank sailings and alternate routing to avoid high-risk chokepoints, affecting transit times and vessel availability.
4. Documentation Review: Export and import clearances are facing increased scrutiny as ports enforce enhanced verification processes.

Shippers are advised to confirm booking details, validate all rate components prior to cargo tender, and engage with their FreightMango representative for real-time guidance on routing, carrier options, and mitigation strategies.
FreightMango continues to monitor carrier advisories, maritime security updates, and regulatory directives to keep customers informed of evolving trade conditions.