Hapag-Lloyd hikes East Med to Latin America
Hapag-Lloyd will increase its ocean tariff rates from the East Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Central America and South America's west coast, effective
Hapag-Lloyd will implement new freight rates on cargo moving from the East Mediterranean to Latin America and the Caribbean. The increases will take effect for sailings with a tariffing date from October 1, 2026, and will remain valid until further notice. The new pricing applies to all ports in the East Mediterranean region, with the exception of Greece.
The German carrier's rate adjustment covers a broad range of standard container types. The hikes will impact shipments of 20-foot and 40-foot dry containers, as well as refrigerated, or reefer, containers of the same sizes. High-cube equipment is also included in the new tariff structure.
New Rate Structure by Destination
The increases vary by destination and container type. The carrier has defined three primary destination groups: the Caribbean and Central America; the west coast of South America, which includes the Colombian port of Buenaventura; and the west coast of Central America.
For shippers, the absolute dollar increase is consistent within each container size category across destinations. The cost to move a 20-foot box will rise by $300, regardless of whether it is dry or refrigerated. Moving a 40-foot container will become $600 more expensive.
Detailed Freight Rate Increases
The source provides a complete breakdown of the current and new rates. The following tables detail the specific figures for dry and reefer containers.
| Container Type | Destination | Current Rate | New Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Dry | Caribbean and Central America | $2,200 | $2,500 | $300 |
| 20' Dry | South America West Coast (inc. Buenaventura) | $3,150 | $3,450 | $300 |
| 20' Dry | Central America West Coast | $3,150 | $3,450 | $300 |
| 40' Dry | Caribbean and Central America | $3,400 | $4,000 | $600 |
| 40' Dry | South America West Coast (inc. Buenaventura) | $4,900 | $5,500 | $600 |
| 40' Dry | Central America West Coast | $4,900 | $5,500 | $600 |
| Container Type | Destination | Current Rate | New Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Reefer | Caribbean and Central America | $2,850 | $3,150 | $300 |
| 20' Reefer | South America West Coast (inc. Buenaventura) | $4,700 | $5,000 | $300 |
| 20' Reefer | Central America West Coast | $4,700 | $5,000 | $300 |
| 40' Reefer | Caribbean and Central America | $3,050 | $3,650 | $600 |
| 40' Reefer | South America West Coast (inc. Buenaventura) | $5,100 | $5,700 | $600 |
| 40' Reefer | Central America West Coast | $5,100 | $5,700 | $600 |
Scope and Timing of the Increase
The announced rate hike is significant for this specific trade lane. It affects all major container categories used for general and temperature-controlled cargo. The carrier has set a firm implementation date over two years in the future, giving the market substantial advance notice.
The policy will apply indefinitely once it begins. Hapag-Lloyd states the new rates will remain valid until further notice. This gives the carrier flexibility to adjust pricing again based on future market conditions without being bound by a fixed expiration date.
The move signals Hapag-Lloyd's intention to raise the base cost of moving containers on this route. The highest new rates will be for 40-foot reefers bound for the west coast of South America, which will cost $5,700 per box.
