The AP Moller-Maersk A/S, the giant Danish container business, reduced its expectations for the global shipping market in light of the unrest caused by the trade war launched by Donald Trump. According to a statement issued on Thursday, “Merck” determined a new expectation of the market development in 2025, ranging from contraction by 1% and growth of 4%, noting “the increasing state of uncertainty at macro economic and geopolitical levels.” These expectations are less than previous estimates in February indicating a “4%” growth. The CEO of the company, Vincent Clerek, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV that the trade war “remains between the United States and China so far, while the rest of the world continues its activities without interruption.” But he pointed out that customs duties began to affect the holding market in April; Where the mutual sizes in the trade between China and the United States fell by 30% and 40% in both directions with the increase in the trade war. ” He added that “Maersk” is less likely than other ship companies, because the largest commercial track connects Asia to Europe. “Merck” was influenced by Trump’s fees, “Merck”, which controls about 14% of the world container fleet and manages 60 ports, is one of the international companies affected by Trump’s transformation to protectionism, a transformation that undermines contracts of progress in liberalizing trade. However, the company said it expected a group of transport in Europe, as the continent, led by Germany, has accelerated its investment, also in the defensive field. ‘Merck’ indicated that ‘the prospects for the global demand for containers remain very ambiguous during the rest of the year, and are influenced by the commercial policy system that changes rapidly, and the increase in the risk of stagnation in the United States.’ She added that the second quarter is still a candidate for growth “especially if the ship companies have used the ninety days to freeze mutual customs duties by accelerating consignments and storing shares.” Red Sea disorders strengthened the Red Sea crisis, which entered the eighteenth month, the profits of container companies; As the business’s refuge to the long conversion path in South Africa helps to alleviate the surplus of capacity in the sector. The Danish company said on Thursday that the unrest in the Red Sea is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year. In February, “Mercke” indicated that it could push its profits for 2025 to the upper boundary of expectations. The company believes that the global transport market is approaching with the end of the year, two scenarios, namely: either the increasing risk of shrinking demand, or the recovery of trade as customs duties are withdrawn. She expected to achieve parallel growth for the market. However, Merck still expects its operating profit before calculating the benefits, tax, consumption and destruction of 2025 between $ 6 billion and $ 9 billion. The company pointed out that the first quarter profits increased compared to the same period last year, exceeding the estimates of the analysts; Supported to increase ship prices and more cost control, as well as high sizes.
“Merck” reduces global shipping forecasts amid fees and the Red Sea crisis
