Maersk posts record profits, citing geopolitical uncertainties

In Denmark, on May 8, 2025, Maersk, the world's largest shipping company, announced its first-quarter operating profit results, reflecting an impressive growth of 70% compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The firm reported preliminary underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $2.71 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.57 billion according to a poll by LSEG. This strong financial performance stands in stark contrast to the company’s previous earnings of $1.59 billion during the same period in 2024. Despite this positive financial outlook, Maersk has revised its expectations for global container market volume growth downwards due to the increasing uncertainty in macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions. The company now anticipates growth rates between negative 1% and 4% for the global container market—a marked shift from previous forecasts. This adjustment acknowledges the challenges posed by global trade tensions and regulatory changes, including significant tariffs imposed by the U.S. government during the Trump administration, which have had lasting impacts on trading relationships. Moreover, the company highlighted ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, which are expected to persist throughout the year. These disruptions are a significant concern in the shipping industry, as they impact trade routes and lead to uncertainties in shipping schedules. Shipping companies like Maersk are continuously navigating through a complex tariff landscape that has been further complicated by geopolitical crises, contributing to unpredictable scenarios in global trade. As the first quarter results come in, Maersk maintains its profit guidance for the full year at a range between $6 billion and $9 billion. This decision reflects the company's confidence in its ability to adapt to the fluctuating dynamics of the shipping industry while also preparing for potential challenges ahead. Analysts will closely monitor Maersk's performance in the coming quarters to gauge the impact of current market trends and trade policies. The company's ability to sustain growth amidst increasing uncertainties will be a key area of focus moving forward.