Global shipping line HMM has warned that ocean carriers face mounting uncertainty in the third quarter of 2025, citing the compounding pressures of international tariffs and persistent port congestion across key trade lanes.
The South Korean carrier issued the caution alongside the release of its latest financial results, which painted a mixed picture of performance across the first half of the year. Whilst revenues showed encouraging growth, the company reported declines in net profit for both the second quarter and the half-year period.
The results underline the challenging operating environment currently facing the container shipping sector. Rising tariff measures continue to disrupt established trade flows, whilst ongoing congestion at major ports is placing additional strain on schedules, capacity planning, and overall supply chain reliability.
For shippers and freight forwarders, these developments reinforce the importance of forward planning and working with experienced logistics partners who can navigate volatile market conditions.
As the third quarter progresses, carriers and cargo owners alike will be watching closely to see how tariff policies evolve and whether port congestion begins to ease, both of which will play a decisive role in shaping freight rates and service reliability heading into the peak shipping season.