CMA CGM announces June freight rate increases on Asia–Mediterranean and North Africa Routes

MARSEILLE : French carrier CMA CGM is set to implement new freight rates on shipments from Asia to the Mediterranean and North Africa starting June 1, 2025. The updated pricing reflects broader market adjustments and comes amid regulatory shifts in freight valuation practices in key import markets, including Egypt.

Under the new rates, shipments to West Mediterranean ports will be priced at $3,500 for 20-foot containers and $4,600 for 40-foot units. Rates to the Adriatic will rise to $3,700 and $5,100 respectively. For East Mediterranean ports, including Egypt, the announced rates stand at $3,700 for 20-foot containers and $4,800 for 40-foot containers. Freight to the Black Sea region will follow similar levels, while Algeria-bound cargo will incur significantly higher charges, reaching $4,600 for 20-foot and $7,100 for 40-foot containers. Rates to Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya are expected to range from $4,000 to $6,800 depending on destination and equipment size.

The announcement coincides with Egypt’s Customs Authority releasing revised average freight benchmarks for Q2 2025, as part of a tripartite protocol with the Tax Authority and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. The updated guidance governs how VAT is calculated on freight for exempted goods, machinery, and scheduled items, offering a more standardized framework for cost declarations and customs clearance.

According to the circular, freight rates for dry bulk shipments to Egyptian ports vary significantly by origin. From Brazil, the average freight ranges from $1,100 to $1,470 per 20-foot container, while shipments from India fall between $550 and $650. Bulk cargo from East Mediterranean and Black Sea ports is priced between $9 and $16 per ton, depending on cargo volume and port of origin. Additional benchmarks for Northern Europe, the United States, South America, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia show rates ranging between $8.5 and $34 per ton.

Regional movements are also covered in the bulletin, including intra-Red Sea trade. Shipments from Aqaba to Sokhna now range between $1,600 and $4,900 depending on container type. Freight from Nuweiba to Aqaba is priced between $355 and $1,260. Liquid bulk categories, such as vegetable oil and bran, have also seen adjustments, with freight rates from the Black Sea and U.S. ranging from $10.5 to $25 per ton based on shipment size.

The combination of rate adjustments by major carriers like CMA CGM and regulatory updates from authorities such as Egypt’s Customs reflects ongoing volatility in the freight market and reinforces the need for shippers to closely monitor evolving costs on key trade lanes.