Surcharges follow trade cut-off with India, impacting container gateways and export costs.
Key Takeaways:
- Maersk is implementing emergency surcharges on cargo to and from Pakistan.
- The surcharges are a response to trade disruptions with India, causing congestion at Karachi and Port Qasim.
- These surcharges will increase the cost of exports from Pakistan to major western markets and imports.
Money Matters Monitoring – Maersk has announced emergency operational surcharges on cargo in and out of Pakistan, joining other carriers in this measure. The decision follows a recent trade cut-off with India, which has resulted in significant service disruptions and congestion at Pakistan’s primary container gateways, Karachi and Port Qasim.
The new surcharges amount to $500 per container for Pakistan exports destined for major western markets. Inbound shipments will face a charge of $300 per container. These additional costs will likely impact Pakistani exporters, making their goods more expensive in international markets. Importers will also face higher costs, potentially leading to increased prices for consumers within Pakistan.
The surcharges are set to take effect on May 21 for non-regulated countries and June 13 for regulated trades. An exception has been made for Vietnam, where the surcharges will begin on May 29. The move by Maersk and other carriers highlights the economic consequences of the trade disruptions and the challenges faced by Pakistan’s shipping industry.
