Current Status of Middle East Routes
Date:2026-05-25View:1Tags:Epoxy pipe,Coated pipe,API casing
According to the latest official announcements from several shipping companies, peak season surcharges on Middle East routes will be significantly increased starting June 1st, with Maersk seeing increases of up to US$2,000 per TEU on some routes. The following are the specific adjustment plans for major shipping companies:
Shipping Company: Maersk
Applicable Route: Far East (including China) to the Middle East
Effective Date: June 1, 2026
Pricing: USD 1,000 to 2,000 for 40 or 45-foot containers
Note: Applicable to ports such as Khor Fekan, Salalah, and Sohar; maximum USD 2,000 for large containers destined for Jeddah.
Shipping Company: Hapag-Lloyd
Applicable Route: Far East (including China) to the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf
Effective Date: Effective (since March 6)
Pricing: USD 500 for 20-foot containers; USD 1,000 for 40-foot containers
Note: Applicable to destination ports in Iraq, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Jubail), this rate remains in effect.
Shipping Company: CMA CGM CGM) Applicable Route: Asia to the Middle East
Effective Date: Expected to be implemented gradually from June
Charge: Specific amount not disclosed
Note: A Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) will be added; the specific amount needs to be confirmed at the time of booking.
Shipping Company: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Applicable Route: Asia to the Middle East
Effective Date: Expected from June
Charge: Specific amount not disclosed
Note: A notice regarding freight rate adjustments and the Peak Season Surcharge has been issued; it is recommended to verify before booking.
Current Overall Situation of the Middle East Route
In addition to the above surcharges, the Middle East route currently faces the following additional pressures:
First, base freight rates are rising simultaneously. Shipping companies are not only adding PSS but also raising basic ocean freight rates. For example, CMA CGM has announced a new round of rate increases for the Asia to Mediterranean route starting June 1st.
Second, space remains tight. Market reports indicate that routes to the Middle East and the Red Sea are currently experiencing widespread "booking overload," with some voyages requiring queuing for booking, and even instances of "cargo being left unattended."
Third, detour costs persist. Due to the uncertainty of the situation in the Red Sea, some routes are still detouring around the Cape of Good Hope, and high operating costs are one of the main reasons why shipping companies continue to charge surcharges.
