CMA CGM Reports Strong Q2 as Higher Freight Rates Lift Profits

CMA CGM delivered a strong second quarter, posting higher revenue and earnings as elevated freight rates and resilient global trade outweighed mounting geopolitical challenges in the Middle East.

The French shipping and logistics company reported $15.7 billion in second-quarter revenue, a 19.2% increase from the same period last year. EBITDA climbed 31% to $3 billion, while net income attributable to the group rose to $770 million, up from $520 million a year earlier.

The company’s shipping division remained the primary driver of growth. CMA CGM transported 6.33 million TEUs during the quarter, representing a 6% year-over-year increase. Shipping revenue advanced 22% to $10 billion, while EBITDA from the segment surged more than 42% to $2.26 billion, reflecting stronger freight rates and solid cargo volumes.

According to the company, healthy consumer spending, inventory replenishment, and early cargo shipments ahead of anticipated tariff changes continued to support global container demand. These factors helped offset the operational challenges caused by ongoing instability across the Middle East.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodolphe Saadé said the company delivered solid results despite an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

He noted that the group’s diversified operations—including shipping, logistics, terminal operations and air cargo—continued to strengthen overall performance while allowing the company to respond quickly to changing market conditions.

Although tensions in the Middle East increased insurance costs, delayed vessel operations and disrupted cargo movements into the region, CMA CGM said higher freight rates and the flexibility of its global shipping network largely compensated for those additional expenses. The carrier also continued using alternative multimodal transport solutions to maintain cargo flows serving Gulf markets.

Outside its core shipping business, CEVA Logistics generated $5 billion in quarterly revenue, an increase of 8.5% compared with a year earlier. However, EBITDA declined as weaker freight forwarding margins and continued softness in the automotive sector weighed on profitability.

The company’s terminals, air cargo and other operations recorded even stronger growth, with revenue climbing nearly 48% to $1.48 billion, supported by recent acquisitions and solid terminal performance.

The earnings announcement coincided with the completion of a major infrastructure transaction. CMA CGM and investment firm Stonepeak finalized the creation of United Ports LLC, a joint venture that will manage nine major container terminals across five countries.

Under the agreement, Stonepeak acquired a 25% stake in the business through a $2.4 billion investment, while CMA CGM retained operational control. The partners also plan to invest billions of dollars in future terminal expansions, electrification projects and logistics infrastructure.

Despite the strong quarterly performance, CMA CGM cautioned that uncertainty remains high as geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and evolving tariff measures continue to reshape global supply chains.

The company said its diversified business model, financial strength and flexible global network position it well to navigate market volatility while continuing to support customers across international trade routes.

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