Maersk, which handles over 60% of cargo at
Mombasa port, will charge $1,000 extra per 20-foot container and $2,000 per
40-foot container from China and Hong Kong starting June 15—an increase from
previous rates.
Trade
experts blame Middle East tensions rerouting ships, Asian port congestion, and
global rate surges that have doubled since recent conflicts.
With China supplying a quarter of East Africa's imports like electronics, machinery, and construction materials, retailers warn of higher prices for phones, steel, and more amid Kenya's $4.3 billion trade deficit last year. Some see a silver lining in pushing local manufacturing to offset costs.