Trade Volatility Hits Hapag-Lloyd Profits

Hapag-Lloyd posted a net profit of €846 million in the first nine months of 2025, a drop of about 50% year-over-year, as falling freight rates and soaring operational costs weighed heavily on its results.

The German container shipping line saw its EBIT decline 55% to €809 million, despite a 9% increase in transport volumes to 10.2 million TEU. Freight rates averaged US $1,397 per TEU, down from US $1,467 a year earlier.

In response to the weak outlook, the company narrowed its full-year earnings guidance: it now expects EBIT between €0.5 billion and €1.0 billion (previously up to €1.1 billion).

CEO Rolf Habben Jansen pointed to “high volatility in demand and freight rates” driven by geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies, and emphasized the need for agility and cost discipline.