Global shipping leader A.P. Moller-Maersk has cautioned that ongoing trade wars and rising geopolitical risks could lead to a drop in global container volumes this year. Still, the company is holding on to its profit forecast.
Maersk, often seen as a key indicator of global trade, said it now expects container volumes to range from a 1% decline to 4% growth—down from its earlier 4% growth estimate.
The warning comes as U.S. tariffs under President Trump continue to disrupt global supply chains. Many businesses rushed shipments earlier this year to beat potential tariffs, but demand may weaken if trade tensions persist.
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Maersk says there’s still hope for a rebound if planned tariffs are rolled back. The company has not canceled any trans-Pacific routes so far but has opted for smaller vessels in some cases.
With big-name clients like Walmart, Target, and Nike, Maersk’s outlook offers small business owners insight into shifting global demand.
For Nigerian importers and exporters, staying alert to global trade policy changes remains critical in planning logistics and managing inventory.
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