T3EX Global Holdings Corp. has made another strategic move in the shipping sector despite escalating US-China trade tensions. The company announced Monday it purchased 43,000 shares of Yang Ming Marine Transport between January 9 and April 14 at an average price of NT$67.88 per share, totaling nearly NT$292 million (US$9.1 million).
T3EX Global CEO Yen Yi-Tsai characterized this year’s shipping industry with eight Chinese characters meaning “turbulent undercurrents and tempestuous waves.” He emphasized that uncertainties persist, with supply chains facing short-term challenges after the United States temporarily postponed additional tariffs by 90 days.
Yen advised investors in shipping stocks to “have strong nerves and quick reflexes,” recommending they sell at high points and buy at lows to maximize capital efficiency amid volatility.
Industry concerns have heightened since February when the US Trade Representative proposed charging up to US$1.5 million for Chinese-built vessels entering American ports. This measure aims to counter China’s growing maritime dominance, which has increased from 5% of global shipbuilding tonnage in 1999 to over 50% by 2023.
T3EX Global now holds a total of 20,825,577 Yang Ming shares worth over NT$1.53 billion, representing a 0.6% stake with 14,500 shares pledged. The company previously sold 16,350 shares of Evergreen Marine (2603) on March 28 at NT$225.62 per share, generating a profit of NT$19.3 million.
