Panama Canal Surcharge - Far East to Mexico and Caribbean Region

Subsequent to our customer advisory announcing our Panama Canal Surcharge for Caribbean Region, please be advised of the update below which supersedes the previous communication as published on 27 November 2023.

During Q2 2023, the Panama Canal Authority decided to reduce draft from 14.94 to 13.41. Despite several measures to conserve water taken over the last months, lack of precipitation in the area is affecting the water level of the Panama Canal. Consequently, the Panama Canal Authority has recently confirmed further restrictions regarding the number of vessels crossing the canal.

These restrictions, combined with the increase of the Canal Tariff implemented earlier this year, are having a direct impact on overall MSC operations costs.

As a result, pricing for cargo from ASIA to MEXICO and CARIBBEAN transiting the Panama Canal will no longer be inclusive of PANAMA CANAL SURCHARGE (PCS). Effective 1 January – instead of 15 December, as previously communicated – pricing will be subject to a PCS of $297/Container.

NB: Consistently, in Panama, this applies to POD Cristobal but not to POD Rodman.

We thank you for your understanding and patience and we will keep you updated with further developments.

Please contact your local MSC representatives if you have any questions.