ISTANBUL

Danish shipping giant Maersk on Thursday reported a stronger-than-expected second-quarter profit despite "historical" uncertainty in global trade and market volatility.

Seen as a bellwether for global trade, Maersk posted earnings of $2.3 billion before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the second quarter of 2025 -- a 7.1% increase from $2.14 billion in the same period last year and well above analyst expectations.

The company also reported a 2.8% year-on-year rise in revenue, reaching $13.13 billion for the quarter, according to Maersk's financial results released on Thursday.

In its full-year 2025 financial forecast, Maersk increased its expectations for underlying EBITDA to $8 billion to $9.5 billion this year, from $6 billion to $9 billion.

Additionally, the firm pointed to more robust market demand outside of North America by projecting worldwide container market volume growth of 2% to 4%, up from a previous prediction of -1% to 4%.

"We have had a strong first half of the year, driven by consistent follow through on our operational improvement plans and the successful launch of the Gemini Cooperation. Our new East-West network is raising the bar on reliability and setting new industry standards," Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said.

"It has been a key driver of increased volumes and solid delivery of our Ocean business. Even with market volatility and historical uncertainty in global trade, demand remained resilient, and we’ve continued to respond with speed and flexibility," he added.

The results come as the maritime sector grapples with an increasingly complex tariff landscape, shaped by US President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies.

US imposed higher tariff rates ranging between 10% to 50% on numerous countries. The sweeping new tariffs took effect on Thursday.

On the other hand, Washington has struck trade deals with the UK, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, the EU, and South Korea. Trade talks with China are still ongoing.

Some other countries have been more severely impacted by Trump's tariffs, as the US has imposed tariffs of 50% on Brazil, 39% on Switzerland, 35% on Canada and 25% on India.