CMA CGM Announces FAK Rate Increases on Asia to Europe, Mediterranean, and North Africa

Global container freight rates continue to operate at elevated levels, and liner companies are pressing ahead with peak‑season rate hike plans. On July 3, CMA CGM issued a new notice announcing increases in FAK (Freight All Kinds) rates on routes from Asia to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. The new rates will apply for shipments between July 15 and July 31, 2026, with the highest FAK rate reaching US$10,400 per 40‑foot container on the Asia–North Africa route, once again setting a new high in this round of adjustments.

CMA CGM Raises FAK Rates from Asia to Europe, Mediterranean and North Africa

According to CMA CGM’s announcement, the adjustment applies to cargo loaded between July 15 and July 31, 2026.

I. Asia – Northern Europe

• Ports of loading: All major ports in Asia, including Japan, Southeast Asia and Bangladesh.

• Ports of discharge: All major ports in Northern Europe, including the United Kingdom, as well as ports from Portugal to Finland, Estonia and other northern European ports.

FAK rates are as follows:

• 20'GP: US$4,100

• 40'GP / 40'HC / 40'RF: US$7,000

II. Asia – Mediterranean and North Africa

Applicable to Dry containers, Reefers, OOG (Out of Gauge) and Paying Empty Containers loaded at all major Asian ports. The specific FAK rates are as follows:

Destination Area

20'GP

40'GP / 40'HC

Among these, the FAK rate for 40‑foot containers on the Asia–North Africa route reaches US$10,400, the highest level in this announcement.

CMA CGM stated that the FAK rates announced mainly include Basic Ocean Freight and Bunker‑related Surcharges. The following charges, where applicable, will be billed separately:

• Terminal Handling Charges (THC)

• EU ETS (EU Emissions Trading System) charges

• Safety & Security Surcharges

• Contingency Charges

• Local charges at both origin and destination

The Upward Trend in Freight Rates Continues

CMA CGM said that this FAK rate adjustment is aimed at ensuring transport stability and service efficiency on the Asia–Europe network.

From a market perspective, as the traditional peak shipping season gets under way, several liner companies have already announced new rounds of FAK, GRI (General Rate Increase) and PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) adjustments. This latest increase by CMA CGM on routes from Asia to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa – especially the breakthrough of the 40‑foot container rate to over US$10,400 on the North Africa route – raises the question of whether it reflects the continued strong upward momentum in the European and Mediterranean markets.