Maersk lifts 2026 profit forecast on strong demand, especially in Asia

A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S has raised its 2026 profit outlook, citing robust demand—particularly in Asia—and a container market expected to remain healthy through the rest of the year. The Copenhagen-based shipping giant announced the upgrade in a statement on June 29, 2026, lifting its guidance for underlying EBITDA and EBIT ranges beyond analyst estimates. Free cash flow is also projected to exceed prior expectations. Global container volume growth has been revised upward to about 4%, up from the previous forecast of 2% to 4%. The company attributes the improved outlook to a surge in spot container rates, driven by early bookings from cargo owners amid ongoing disruptions, including Middle East violence and U.S. tariff uncertainty. Seasonal trends are expected to further boost ocean freight volumes in July and August as retailers restock ahead of back-to-school and holiday shopping periods. Maersk’s updated forecast aligns with recent remarks by CEO Vincent Clerc, who noted strong performance in the first half of the year despite geopolitical and energy market disruptions. Clerc, speaking in Haiphong, Vietnam, last week, expressed confidence that the positive trend would continue. The company is set to release its second-quarter interim results on August 13, 2026.