Shippingtelegraph: CMA CGM sees Middle East key in 2026 market balance and freight rates

Marseille-based container shipping line CMA CGM expects container shipping to record moderate growth worldwide in 2026, following a dynamic year in 2025. However, developments in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea, will be key factors influencing market balance and freight rate trends.

The group remains vigilant and attentive to ongoing tensions surrounding trade policies, as well as to macroeconomic and geopolitical developments affecting strategic maritime corridors.

For the 2025 financial year, CMA CGM’s revenue amounted to $54.4bln, down 2.0% compared to 2024, primarily due to lower revenue from container shipping activities.

EBITDA reached $10.6bln, representing an EBITDA margin of 19.4%, down 4.8 percentage points compared to 2024.

The group continued to roll out its strategic priorities, notably through the acquisition of Santos Brasil, the creation of United Ports, and the strengthening of its logistics activities with the acquisitions of Borusan Lojistik and Fagioli.

On the occasion of the publication of the company’s 2025 financial results, Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive officer of the CMA CGM Group, stated:

“In an environment marked by significant geopolitical uncertainty, our group delivered solid results in 2025, driven by the strong performance of our shipping lines.

“The continued growth of our terminals and air freight operations, combined with our logistics activities, confirms the relevance of our model. It strengthens our agility and allows us to adjust our operations to the cycles of our industry.

“In 2026, in a context of heightened tensions, particularly in the Middle East, our priority is clear: protecting our teams and adapting our operations to ensure our customers continue to receive a reliable and high-quality service. At the same time, we are pursuing our development, continuing to invest in our industrial assets and to strengthen our global network.”

In view of the on-going developments in the Middle East region, CMA CGM said emergency measures are being implemented for all shipments to and from the following countries: Iraq (Port of Umm Qasr), Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arabian Sea ports).

These measures include, but are not limited to, vessel deviations to contingency ports.