Congestion, Surcharges and

the Price of Trade in Guinea

Guinea’s recent temporary suspension of demurrage charges at the Port of Conakry may feel like a gift to importers this holiday season, but it also underscores a broader and more stubborn problem: the high cost of getting goods into the country. From mid-December through January, Guinean port authorities have waived late fees for containers stuck in the port, hoping to reduce pressure on traders and curb inflationary spillover into consumer markets.

Yet demurrage is only one piece of a much larger cost puzzle. Handling fees, storage, clearance delays and administrative charges routinely add up, making Conakry one of the more expensive logistics gateways in West Africa. While this holiday clause brings short-term relief, the underlying issue remains: persistent congestion at the port continues to inflate costs across the supply chain.

Shipping lines themselves have taken notice. In response to chronic delays, some carriers have introduced port congestion surcharges on West Africa-bound cargo, including some shipments destined for Conakry — a clear sign that operational bottlenecks are translating into real cost increases for shippers.

Industry experts — including logistics specialists discussing why shipping to Guinea has become so expensive — often point to outdated infrastructure, limited handling capacity and prolonged turnaround times as culprits, not just seasonal logjams. These factors drive up freight costs and compel some shippers to explore alternative routes or carriers.

Guinea’s temporary demurrage waiver is a clever and timely policy tweak, but the real challenge lies in tackling the structural drivers of port costs so that trade flows freely, affordably and sustainably all year round.

As costs and delays remain a reality, getting your ECTN for Guinea is essential to keep your cargo moving smoothly through Conakry.

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