Maersk, a bellwether for global trade, cuts container market outlook on U.S.-China tariff tensions

The Maersk Alfirk and Colorado Express container ships were seen at the Port of Los Angeles in California, USA on April 24, 2025.

Danish shipping company Maersk announced a better-than-expected first-quarter operating profit, cautioning that the current U.S.-China trade tariffs could impact global container market volumes. They reported preliminary underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $2.71 billion for the first three months of the year, a 70% increase from the previous year. Maersk maintained its profit guidance for 2025 but adjusted global container market volume growth to -1% to 4% due to increased economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

The company’s results reflect the challenges faced by the shipping industry amid the tariff disputes initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc acknowledged the impact of the tariffs on China-U.S. container market volumes, which have decreased by 30% to 40% in April. He highlighted the need for a resolution to mitigate the prohibitive impact of the tariffs on both sides, anticipating continued volatility in the future.

Maersk also noted ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea region, with their shares trading lower in London.