Ocean container shipping company CMA CGM has imposed peak season surcharges on several Northern European trade routes to the United States, Canada and Mexico since March 1.

The price increase is a product of the slow season for trans-Pacific shipping after the Lunar New Year. There had been expectations that importers might shift some of their purchases as the United States announced tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada; The price increase may also be in anticipation of importers stocking up in anticipation of possible tariff threats from European countries.

Meanwhile, congestion has been reported at some European ports, which could have a ripple effect across the region.

At Bremerhaven in Germany, Algeciras in Spain and Genoa in Italy, the wait time was three days, Hyundai Merchant Marine mentioned. At the ECT Delta Terminal in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the wait time is nearly seven days, and the Rotterdam World Gateway Terminal is nearly ten days.

French port workers staged a four-hour strike over 10 days in February after a 48-hour strike at the end of January. These strike actions could have an adverse impact on Foss and Le Havre.

The world's third-largest airline made the announcement ahead of the tariffs announced this week by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he planned to delay tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days after the two countries delayed retaliatory tariffs and pledged to step up border enforcement.

CMA CGM, based in France, is also a member of the Ocean Alliance, which also includes Evergreen Shipping, COSCO Shipping and Orient Overseas.

From all Northern European ports (including Northern France, Great Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, Poland, the Baltic Sea, Northern Spain (Port Bilbao, Port Gijon) (except Portugal)) to the East Coast of the United States, the West Coast of the United States, the Gulf Coast of the United States and all inland destinations reached through these ports, The surcharge is $900 per 20-foot dry cargo container and $1,000 per standard 40-foot, 40-foot tall cubes and 45-foot containers.

The surcharge is $1,350 for each 20-foot reefer container and $1,500 for each 40/45-foot reefer container.

From all Northern European ports (including Northern France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, Poland, the Baltic Sea, Northern Spain (Bilbao, Gijon) (except Portugal) to the East coast of Canada, the East Coast of Mexico, and all inland destinations), the surcharge is $900 per 20 feet, $1,000 per 40/40 foot tall cube and 45 foot container.

Refrigerated cargo will be charged an additional $1,350 per 20 feet and an additional $1,500 per 40/45 feet.