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(Sharecast News) - Shipping giant AP MollerMaersk said on Monday that it now expects fullyear earnings to be at least $1bn higher than previously guided, citing strong demand from the Far East as US retailers and consumergoods groups rush to stockpile goods ahead of new American tariffs.
Maersk said underlying earnings were now expected to come in between $8bn and $10bn in FY26, up from its prior range of $4.5bn to $7bn.
Freight rates have surged over the past week as companies move to secure inventory from China before the Trump administration imposes a new round of tariffs from late July, with further duties on industrial goods due next month.
The increases have pushed shipping costs to their highest levels since the Red Sea crisis in late summer 2024, when Houthi rebel attacks forced western carriers to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope.
Maersk said the guidance upgrade reflected "continued strong demand in the container market, particularly in the Far East, and a recent sustained increase in spot market rates". It now expects global containermarket volume growth of around 4% in 2026, compared with its previous forecast of 2 to 4%.
Industry executives also noted that rising fuel costs linked to the USIsraeli war against Iran had further boosted demand for container shipping in Q2.
As of 0945 BST, Maersk shares were up 0.28% at DKK 15,940 each.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
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