Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. reported its strongest quarterly profit since late 2022, while cautioning about growing challenges from global trade barriers and political tensions.
The Taiwanese container carrier’s third-quarter net income surged 911% to NT$28.37 billion ($890 million), with revenue climbing to NT$72.84 billion. Earnings per share reached NT$8.12, marking the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2022.
The company’s performance benefited from traditional peak-season demand, though executives expressed concern about fourth-quarter headwinds. The end of the U.S. East Coast port strikes could intensify market competition, while pre-Lunar New Year shipping volumes remain uncertain.
Yang Ming plans to optimize its main routes through its Premier Alliance structure starting February 2025. However, the carrier faces industry-wide challenges, with Alphaliner forecasting new vessel capacity of 3.14 million TEU this year. The gap between supply growth of 5.8% and demand growth of 2.5% in 2025 may pressure rates.
The IMF projects 3.2% global economic growth for 2025, but Yang Ming cited risks from inflation, geopolitical tensions, and potential changes in U.S. trade policy after elections.
