CMA CGM’s October Update Separates Senegal And Mauritania From Guinea Conakry’s PSS Treatment

What changed

The North Range, including Senegal and Mauritania, is listed at US$550/TEU from 22 October. Guinea Conakry's PSS remains US$200/TEU under the stated exception.

HOUTU TEA market reading

The difference is not a recommendation to route every order through the lowest-charge port. HOUTU TEA's analysis is that a gateway comparison must include the final market, clearance, onward transport, inventory timing and all commercial responsibilities. A lower ocean surcharge can be offset by a more expensive or slower inland leg. The appropriate route should follow a verified distribution plan and the customer's actual destination.

Illustrative order scenario - not an actual transaction

For a within-scope 40-foot shipment, the stated PSS difference is US$700 if separately billed. If an alternate inland route costs more than that or delays replenishment, the apparent ocean advantage disappears. Compare documented end-to-end offers rather than choosing a gateway from one surcharge line.

Limits and risk

The surcharge exception is port-specific and subject to the notice's short-term-contract scope. It is not a full freight comparison or evidence that an alternate gateway is commercially suitable.

Procurement decision

Request destination-specific offers and confirm how the carrier classifies the discharge port. For Sahel-bound tea, cost the entire onward corridor and have the responsible importer or forwarder verify the applicable transit and clearance requirements. Preserve the shipment's accurate consignee and destination information. Do not assume that one port's exception applies to neighbouring countries, outports or a shipment with different booking terms.

Buyer action checklist

• Obtain the exact destination classification
• Cost the full coastal-to-final-market corridor
• Verify any transit requirements with responsible parties
• Do not extend Conakry's exception to other ports