War-related shipping surcharges and route changes surge costs and delays in Middle East trade.

Shipping costs to and from the Middle East have surged due to escalating conflict between Iran and Western powers, with major carriers like CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC imposing war-related surcharges ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per container. CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd introduced emergency and war risk surcharges effective March 2, 2026, affecting routes across the Arabian Peninsula, Gulf, and Red Sea. MSC suspended all Middle East bookings indefinitely, while Maersk and others rerouted vessels around Africa, disrupting trade flows. The changes have led to longer transit times, reduced capacity, and rising freight rates, with shipping stocks climbing on expectations of tighter supply.