Maersk, the Danish shipping company, has seen a strong demand from the United States this year. It expects it to continue. However, President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could cloud its outlook.

Maersk published its regular global market forecast before Trump, who is expected to announce new tariffs against nations that have duties against U.S. products later on Wednesday, released his regular global market overview.

The company stated that "U.S. economic growth is the main scenario but volatile geopolitics clouds economic visibility."

Trump's new plans for tariffs have caused the shipping industry to be on edge, as they consider the possibility that transport demand could be suppressed in an escalating trade war.

Maersk, the largest container shipping group in the world, warned that the impending U.S. Tariffs could curtail global trade flows, despite the robust start for 2025. The company stated that it was closely monitoring any early signs of a slowdown in the global supply chain.

Maersk stated that "the situation is unpredictable" in regards to tariffs. The company also noted that data from February showed an increase in U.S. inventories.

It said that ongoing and potential tariffs were causing businesses to change their inventory strategies. Some companies are increasing imports while others have secured additional storage space.

The company cited the declining U.S. Consumer Confidence over four consecutive month as a particular concern.

It said that consumers' reactions to perceived risks or financial uncertainty could lead them to be cautious in their spending. This, in turn, can have further ripple effects.

Data from the company showed that China's global container exports will increase to 36% by 2024, up from 32%. Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, Editing by Terje Solsvik and David Goods

(source: Reuters)