Authorities in both China and India have issued warnings to container shipping lines amid growing concerns over surcharges introduced following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
China’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) confirmed that it recently held discussions with representatives from Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) regarding disruptions to international shipping services and rising freight costs.
The ministry reportedly raised concerns over the suspension of certain shipping services from China to the Middle East as well as additional surcharges introduced by carriers.
Shipping lines have defended the price increases, pointing to higher operational costs driven by congestion and vessel rerouting. Analysts estimate that approximately 2% of global container shipping capacity is currently tied up due to congestion linked to the conflict.
Several carriers have introduced surcharges ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 per TEU, particularly on routes serving Middle Eastern markets.
Meanwhile, India’s Directorate General of Shipping has warned carriers against engaging in what it described as predatory pricing, stressing that exporters and importers must have full transparency regarding logistics costs.
The warning follows complaints from shipper associations that some surcharges were introduced retroactively.
