January 2026 Freight Rate Increases: Major Carriers Announce PSS & FAK Adjustments

Leading carriers including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have released updated pricing plans, signaling continued pressure on ocean freight costs at the start of the new year.

MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)

Far East to East Africa – FAK Adjustment

Effective January 1, 2026 (until further notice, no later than January 15, 2026), MSC will adjust FAK rates from all Far East ports, including Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, to Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Far East to Europe & Mediterranean – FAK Adjustment

Also effective January 1, 2026 (no later than January 14, 2026), MSC will update FAK rates from all Far East ports to:

• North Europe
• Mediterranean (West Med, East Med, Adriatic, North Africa)
• Black Sea ports

Maersk

Far East Asia to Mediterranean – PSS

A new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) will apply from January 5, 2026, valid until further notice.

Asia to South Africa & Mauritius – PSS

Effective January 1, 2026, Maersk will apply the following PSS:

• USD 300 per 20’ dry container
• USD 600 per 40’ dry container

Applicable origins include China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and surrounding regions.

Asia to Middle East – PSS

From January 1, 2026, PSS will apply on routes to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan. Charges vary by destination and container type.

CMA CGM

Asia to West Africa – PSS

Effective January 1, 2026, CMA CGM will apply:

• USD 300 per TEU – Central & Southern West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Congo, etc.)
• USD 450 per TEU – Northern West Africa (Senegal, Liberia, Guinea, Cape Verde, etc.)

Note: For China exports, applicable PSS is subject to Shanghai Shipping Exchange filing or already included in the ocean freight.

Asia to Mediterranean & North Africa – FAK

New FAK rates apply from January 1 to January 14, 2026, covering all major Asian ports to Mediterranean, Black Sea, and North Africa destinations.

Asia to North Europe – FAK

Effective January 1, 2026 (on-board date):

• USD 2,000 per 20’ container
• USD 3,600 per 40’ / HC / Reefer container

Coverage includes the UK, Portugal, Northern Europe, Finland, and Estonia.

Hapag-Lloyd

Asia & Oceania to Africa – GRI

From January 1, 2026, Hapag-Lloyd will implement a General Rate Increase (GRI) of USD 500 per container on routes to:

• West Africa
• Southwest Africa
• South Africa
• East Africa

Applicable to dry, reefer, high cube, and special containers.

What Shippers Should Prepare For

These January rate increases highlight continued carrier pricing discipline and capacity control. Exporters, cross-border eCommerce sellers, and project cargo shippers should expect:

• Higher landed costs
• Increased volatility in spot rates
• Tighter booking and space availability

How Goodship56 Supports Your Shipping Strategy

Goodship56 helps shippers navigate frequent rate changes by offering:

• Competitive and stable ocean freight solutions
• Flexible routing across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
• Integrated inland and last-mile delivery options
• Transparent pricing and proactive market updates

Planning ahead is key. Contact Goodship56 today to optimize your January 2026 shipping plan and reduce the impact of sudden PSS, FAK, and GRI increases.