Maersk Will Raise Import Fees to East Africa
Importers of goods to Somalia, Tanzania, and Kenya will face new peak season surcharges starting October 7.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in International Trade
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Beginning October 7, 2026, Maersk will implement new peak season surcharges on container shipments from Northern Europe and the Mediterranean to Somalia, Tanzania, and Kenya. The added costs apply specifically to non-SPOT bookings for dry containers.
Why it matters
Operators importing goods to these East African markets will face increased freight costs as shipping lines manage seasonal demand volatility. These commercial charges are separate from standard freight rates and will remain effective until further notice.
Maersk is imposing a $200 surcharge for 20-foot dry containers and $300 for larger 40-foot and 45-foot units on shipments to Somalia and Tanzania. For Kenyan imports, the fee is set at $150 and $200, respectively, versus no such surcharge for shipments handled via the carrier's SPOT product.
The players
Maersk
A global integrated logistics company that manages one of the world's largest container shipping fleets and supply chain networks.
The details
The surcharges are added to existing freight payment terms for all non-SPOT bookings originating from Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. By excluding SPOT product shipments, the carrier incentivizes the use of its dynamic pricing platform over traditional contract-based cargo management. This structure requires logistics managers to evaluate whether shifting to a SPOT-based model offsets the new per-container fees.
Timeline
September 17, 2026: Maersk began a $500-per-container surcharge on cargo exiting East Africa.
October 7, 2026: The new import surcharges for Somalia, Tanzania, and Kenya take effect.
Market Landscape
This move follows the carrier's September 17, 2026, decision to implement a $500-per-container surcharge on goods exiting East Africa toward Europe. The dual-sided approach marks an effort to adjust capacity costs in both directions on trade routes serving Somalia, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Logistics managers should review current non-SPOT bookings for October arrivals to account for the additional $150 to $300 per container. Evaluate if your current cargo volumes justify shifting to the SPOT product to bypass these surcharges.
The takeaway
Operational costs for East African imports are rising due to these new, open-ended surcharges on dry containers. Review your existing freight contracts to confirm if your shipments are eligible for SPOT-product pricing as an alternative to the new fees.
Further reading
For broader analysis on how global carriers adjust pricing in response to regional demand, see International Trade.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Caasimada Online.
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