Maersk Raises Global Shipping Outlook as China’s Export Boom Defies Global Slowdown
A.P. Møller–Maersk, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, has upgraded its global shipping forecast for 2025 following a sharp rise in China’s export activity. The Danish logistics giant, often regarded as a bellwether for world trade, now expects global container volumes to grow by around 4% this year, up from its earlier projection of 2–4%.
According to the company’s latest report, the rebound is being driven by a surge in Chinese exports, particularly to Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Despite ongoing trade tensions, geopolitical risks, and weaker consumer demand in the United States, China’s manufacturing and export resilience have helped sustain strong shipping volumes.
Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc noted that “global demand has remained surprisingly strong” and that the company is witnessing “broad-based momentum across most key trade lanes.” This uptick has helped stabilize freight rates and reduce idle vessel capacity, bringing renewed optimism to a sector that faced significant challenges over the past two years.
Industry analysts say the export surge underscores China’s pivotal role in global supply chains, even amid shifting trade alliances and efforts to diversify manufacturing hubs to Southeast Asia and India. The continued strength in Chinese exports is also providing relief for major ports and carriers that struggled with excess capacity and falling rates throughout 2024.
Maersk’s upgraded outlook is expected to influence broader sentiment across the shipping industry, signaling a potential rebound in global trade. The company’s shares rose following the announcement, with investors encouraged by signs that global logistics demand is stabilizing faster than anticipated.
As the year progresses, the shipping sector will be closely watching how the ongoing negotiations around trade tariffs, fuel prices, and regional logistics disruptions shape what could be a turning point for global commerce.