CMA CGM Imposes $800 Emergency Surcharge on Far East-Pakistan Routes

1. Company Background:
CMA CGM (Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement - Compagnie Générale Maritime) is:

• World's 3rd largest container shipping line
• Operates 257 vessels across 170+ trade routes
• Key player in Asia-Middle East logistics

2. Surcharge Details:

• Amount: $800 per container (all types)
• Scope:
  ✓ All Far East origins (China/Japan/Korea/SE Asia)
  ✓ All Pakistan destinations (Karachi/Qasim)
  ✓ Both FCL and LCL shipments
• Effective Date: June 15, 2024 (manifest date)

3. Market Context:

• Preceding Events:
  ➔ 32% increase in China-Pakistan trade volume (2023-24)
  ➔ Chronic equipment shortages at Chinese ports
  ➔ 14-day average berthing delays at Karachi

• Industry Impact:
  ✓ Likely $15M+/month additional costs for importers
  ✓ Competitors (MSC/Maersk) expected to follow

4. Carrier Statement:
"Temporary measure to address exceptional operational costs including port congestion, equipment repositioning, and security-related delays in the region."
— CMA CGM Asia-Pacific Advisory

5. Shipper Reactions:

• Textile exporters: "Will erode Pakistan's FOB competitiveness"
• Steel importers: "Forces price renegotiations on $2B annual trade"