Maersk Adjusts 2025 Container Market Outlook to 4% Growth Amid Trade War Uncertainties

Maersk, a leading global shipping company, has revised its outlook for the global container market due to the impact of the trade war. The company now anticipates that the market will either decline by 1% or grow by up to 4% by 2025, a notable adjustment from its previous forecast. This revision is attributed to heightened macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the trade tensions between the United States and China.

Maersk's executive vice president, Vincent Clerc, acknowledged the challenges posed by the trade war. He noted that the current uncertainties are primarily between the U.S. and China, and the company is taking measures to optimize its operations and control costs. The trade war has led to a substantial decrease in trade volumes between the two countries, forcing Maersk to redeploy some of its large vessels from this route to other less affected routes.

Despite the challenges, Maersk remains optimistic about the future. The company anticipates that the global container market demand will either decrease by 1% or grow by up to 4% this year, a significant adjustment from its previous estimate of a 4% growth in container throughput. Maersk controls approximately 14% of the global container fleet and operates in 60 ports worldwide. The company is actively promoting automation and cost management to adapt to future developments.

Maersk also highlighted that the red sea crisis, which has been ongoing for nearly 18 months, has led many companies to choose longer routes around the southern tip of Africa, thereby boosting container shipping profits. The company expects the red sea crisis to continue throughout the year. Maersk had previously indicated that this situation could potentially reach the high end of its 2025 profit outlook.

Looking ahead, Maersk sees two possible scenarios for the global transportation market in the second half of the year: a risk of demand contraction or a potential rebound in trade if tariffs are lifted. The company remains committed to maintaining its operational outlook for the year, despite the uncertainties posed by the trade war and the red sea crisis.