Maersk Raises Shipping Charges From China To Kenya As Importers Face New Costs From November 9

Kenyan importers bringing goods from China and Hong Kong are set to pay more after shipping giant Maersk announced new container surcharges starting November 9, 2026.

The revised Peak Season Surcharge will affect shipments destined for Kenya and Tanzania. The new rates will remain in force until further notice.

Under the changes, importers shipping 20-foot containers to Kenya will pay an additional USD 1,000 (Ksh129,400). Those transporting 40-foot and 45-foot containers will face a surcharge of USD 2,000 (Ksh258,800).

For shipments to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, the surcharge will be USD 1,200 (Ksh155,280) for 20-foot containers. Larger containers will attract USD 2,000 (Ksh258,800).

Maersk said the charges would generally be collected at the port of origin unless different payment arrangements had been agreed upon by customers and shipping agents.

The company also clarified that the surcharges are separate from other shipping expenses. Importers may therefore face additional costs from local handling fees and other applicable charges.

The announcement comes four months after Maersk introduced similar surcharges in June. The latest changes could further increase expenses for Kenyan traders who depend on Chinese goods.

China remains Kenya’s largest source of imports. Kenya imported goods worth Ksh671.2 billion from China in 2025 while exports to the Asian country stood at Ksh16.9 billion.

This left Kenya with a trade deficit of Ksh654.3 billion. Imports from China rose by 16.5 per cent compared with 2024.

The trend has continued in 2026. KNBS figures show that China supplied goods worth Ksh83.3 billion in August alone, accounting for 29.2 per cent of Kenya’s total imports that month.

The higher shipping costs could affect traders importing electronics, machinery, manufactured goods and other products from China. Businesses may face pressure to adjust prices as transportation expenses rise.

https://x.com/kenyans/status/2115051573676270048?s=46

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