Shipping Giant Maersk Beats Expectations But Flags U.S.-China Tariffs As Trade Volume Risk

Maersk reported better-than-expected first-quarter operating profit of \$2.71 billion, up 70% from a year ago and beating analyst forecasts, according to CNBC. The company warned that escalating U.S.-China tariffs are dragging down container trade volumes. The Danish shipping firm revised its 2025 container volume outlook from 4% growth to a range of -1% to 4%, citing rising geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. U.S.-China volumes plunged 30% to 40% in April as customers adopt a cautious stance, according to the company. CEO Vincent Clerc noted the current tariff levels are "simply prohibitive" for trade recovery between the two countries. Maersk maintained its 2025 profit guidance of $6 billion to $9 billion.