Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a development that could impact the cost of imported goods in The Gambia, leading global shipping and logistics company CMA CGM has announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on shipments originating from China to West Africa. The surcharge, set to take effect from June 16, 2025, will remain in place until further notice.

The surcharge will apply to dry cargo transported in 20-foot containers, adding an additional cost of USD 1,600 per container. Shipments using 40-foot containers will not be subject to the new surcharge, as their rates remain unchanged.

For importers and businesses in The Gambia, this means higher shipping costs for goods coming from China, a key trading partner for the country.

Businesses in The Gambia importing goods from China (like construction materials, electronics, or manufactured goods) will face higher shipping costs for 20-foot containers.

Importers will need to account for this additional USD 1,600 per container in their cost planning, which could make goods more expensive for consumers in The Gambia.

Depending on how long the surcharge lasts, it could affect decisions on what goods to import, or whether alternative suppliers or routes might be more cost-effective.

This means that the increased costs are likely to affect the prices of imported goods, potentially leading to higher retail prices for consumers.

The new PSS covers the entire West Africa North Range, which includes Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome & Principe.

According to CMA CGM, the surcharge is in response to increased demand during the peak shipping season and will be filed with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange in line with international shipping regulations.

The surcharge may be included directly in ocean freight charges or added separately, depending on the filing process.

Industry observers note that the surcharge is a common measure in the shipping sector during periods of high demand, but its timing and impact underscore the ongoing challenges in global trade logistics.

As businesses in The Gambia plan for the months ahead, they will need to factor in these higher shipping costs when importing goods from China.