Maersk reported a 30–40% drop in U.S.–China container traffic in April and revised its 2025 global outlook to a range of -1% to +4% (down from the earlier forecast of 4% growth).

The main cause is U.S. tariffs, which have weakened global demand and forced many economies to revise their growth projections.

Despite this, Maersk maintained its profit forecast thanks to rising freight rates and longer routes due to Red Sea disruptions.

Carriers benefit from extended detours around Africa, but the risk of falling demand in the second half of the year remains.