Why Maersk is Imposing Peak Season Surcharges Amid Global Shipping Turmoil

Maersk Announces Peak Season Surcharges as Tariff Uncertainty Roils Markets

Surcharge Details

Effective May 15, Maersk will apply Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) to all Far East–North America routes (excluding Mainland China and Hong Kong):

• $1,000 per 20' container

• $2,000 per 40'/45' container
  Covered regions: Taiwan (China), Japan, Korea, Singapore, and 14 other Southeast Asian markets.

The carrier clarified that these adjustments reflect operational costs and demand volatility, not direct tariff impacts.

Broader Market Context

• Freight Rate Volatility: Drewry’s WCI index rose 2.6% (to $2,265 per 40') this week, with Shanghai-Europe rates jumping 3.8%.

• US Tariff Domino Effect: Trump’s 90-day tariff pause has created a "ship-now" rush, tightening Atlantic capacity and potentially pushing rates higher.

• SCFI Paradox: Despite a 0.1% weekly gain (to 1,395 points), US-bound rates dipped as Chinese export demand weakens.

Analyst Take:
"Expect erratic rate swings as shippers front-load cargo to beat future tariffs," notes a Bloomberg analyst. "The trans-Pacific trade lane is becoming a high-stakes game of musical chairs."