User blocked from service after policy breach
Global shipping giant CMA CGM posted strong second-quarter earnings for 2026, boosted by rising freight rates and steady demand.
The company’s container shipping unit, its core business, recorded earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $2.26 billion in Q2 2026. That marked a 42.4% increase from $1.59 billion during the same period last year. Revenue for the division rose 22% to $9.96 billion, up from $8.17 billion in Q2 2025.
Volumes and rates climb amid market uncertainty
The world’s third-largest container line moved 6.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units in the quarter, a 6% year-over-year increase. CMA CGM linked the growth to strong demand in an unpredictable market.
Related: Chinese Car Exports Surge as Home Sales Decline
Average freight rates reached $1,575 per TEU, up 15.1% from the previous year. The gains helped balance extra costs tied to the Middle East conflict, including delayed vessels, higher insurance, and lower traffic on regional routes.
“Combined with sustained freight rates, this performance offset the additional costs generated by the conflict in the Middle East, including those related to the immobilization of certain vessels, higher insurance premiums, and lower volumes on services calling at the region,” CMA CGM said.
Freight markets rebounded in the second quarter as shippers front loaded shipments in expectation of increased lead times caused by supply chain disruption leading to an early peak season.
Related: Asia’s Top Insurance Employers Ranked for Workers
Group-wide growth across logistics and air cargo
Other parts of CMA CGM’s business, including Ceva Logistics, air cargo, and terminals, also improved. Group-wide EBITDA hit $2.99 billion in Q2 2026, a 31% increase from the prior year. Revenue grew 19.2% to $15.69 billion.
Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé said the results showed the benefits of expanding in key markets and investing in strategic assets. “Against a backdrop of continued geopolitical instability, the Group delivered solid results in the second quarter of 2026, driven by the performance of our shipping activities, the growth of our terminals and air cargo businesses, and the complementary strengths of our logistics operations.”
The company noted that risks remain, especially from Middle East tensions. “The geopolitical environment remains marked by significant uncertainties. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt maritime routes and impact market conditions, particularly freight rates and operating costs.”
