Maersk Imposes $500-$1000 PSS on Asia-South Africa/Mauritius Shipments

Maersk Announces Peak Season Surcharge for Asia-Pacific to Southern Africa Shipments

Global shipping giant Maersk is implementing a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for cargo moving from several Asia-Pacific nations to South Africa and Mauritius, effective April 1, 2026. The move signals continued pressure on global supply chains and is expected to increase costs for businesses and consumers in Southern Africa reliant on goods from Asia. The surcharge applies to shipments originating from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

What the Surcharge Entails

The PSS will be levied at $600 per 20-foot dry container and $1200 per 40-foot dry container, as reported by Memesita. Maersk specifies that the surcharge is applicable to non-SPOT bookings, meaning those not utilizing the company’s spot rate offerings. The Price Calculation Date (PCD) – the date used to determine the applicable rate – differs depending on whether the shipment is subject to regulations by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). For shipments not regulated by the FMC, the PCD is the scheduled departure date of the first leg of the ocean voyage. For FMC-regulated shipments, it’s the last container gate-in date.

Background: Ongoing Supply Chain Strain

This surcharge isn’t an isolated event. The global shipping industry has faced significant disruptions since 2020, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequently from geopolitical events and fluctuating demand. These disruptions have led to port congestion, container shortages, and increased freight rates. Although conditions have improved from the peak of the pandemic, logistical bottlenecks and capacity constraints continue to impact the Asia-Africa trade route. Maersk frames the increase as a response to “peak season” demand, but industry analysts suggest it’s a confluence of these broader factors.

Impact on Southern African Economies

Southern African economies are heavily dependent on imports from Asia, encompassing a wide range of goods from manufactured products to raw materials. The surcharge will likely be passed on to consumers, exacerbating existing inflationary pressures in the region. Businesses, particularly those in retail and manufacturing, will face increased costs, potentially requiring them to adjust pricing strategies or absorb the additional expense. Smaller businesses, with less negotiating power, are particularly vulnerable to these increased costs, as highlighted in the Memesita report. Countries specifically impacted include Mozambique, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe.

Maersk’s Additional Cost Recovery Measures in South Africa

Beyond the peak season surcharge, Maersk is likewise adjusting invoices to recover increased port costs for shipments to South Africa and neighboring countries, effective April 2026. This adjustment, detailed on Maersk’s website, stems from tariff increases by Transnet, the South African port authority. The company will recover the Third-Party Cost for Import Terminal Handling Service Destination (DHC) for cargo destined for Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Zambia. These costs will be recovered either as an Additional Service Import (ASI) charge, automatically updated where possible, or as a 3rd Party Fine or Expense Import (PAD) charge, requiring manual processing. Specific rates vary by container type – 20ft dry, 40ft dry/HDRY, 45ft dry/HDRY, refrigerated containers (20ft & 40ft), and dangerous goods containers (20ft & 40ft) – ranging from ZAR 172 to ZAR 533.

Confirmed vs. Unclear Details

Confirmed: A Peak Season Surcharge will be applied to shipments from the specified Asia-Pacific countries to South Africa and Mauritius starting April 1, 2026. The surcharge amounts are $600 for 20-foot containers and $1200 for 40-foot containers. Maersk is also implementing a cost recovery adjustment for port charges in South Africa and neighboring countries.

Unclear: The long-term duration of the Peak Season Surcharge has not been specified. The precise impact on consumer prices in Southern Africa remains to be seen and will depend on individual businesses’ pricing strategies. The full extent of Transnet’s tariff increases that prompted the port cost recovery adjustment was not detailed in the available sources.

How the Surcharge Process Works

Generally, peak season surcharges are implemented by shipping lines to capitalize on increased demand during specific periods. They are typically justified by higher operational costs associated with increased volume, such as port congestion and the require for additional resources. The surcharge is added to the freight rate, and the final cost is borne by the importer. The PCD mechanism ensures that the correct surcharge is applied based on the timing of the booking and shipment. Spot rates, which fluctuate based on immediate market conditions, are exempt from the PSS, offering importers an alternative, albeit potentially more volatile, pricing option.

What Happens Next

Importers and freight forwarders in Southern Africa will need to factor the surcharge into their cost calculations and adjust their strategies accordingly. Monitoring market conditions and exploring alternative shipping routes or carriers may grow more vital. Further announcements from Maersk regarding the duration of the surcharge and any potential adjustments should be closely watched. The implementation of the port cost recovery adjustment will also require careful tracking and reconciliation of invoices.