Hamburg’s port operator HHLA announced a solid performance for the first nine months of 2025, handling around 4.8 million TEU, a 6.7% increase compared to last year.
The company’s revenue rose by 12.5% to €1.33 billion, while operating profit jumped 25.7% to €117.1 million.

Despite a decline in trade flows between Europe and North America, HHLA successfully offset this drop through higher container volumes from East Asia (especially China), South America, Africa, and other European ports.

What Does This Mean for Global Supply Chains?

1. A signal of recovering global trade
   The rise in container volumes suggests a gradual stabilization of global trade after several years of disruption and volatility.
2. Europe’s continued dependence on East Asia
   Stronger flows from China and East Asia show that, despite ongoing “de-risking” conversations, Europe’s trade relationship with Asia remains strong and essential.
3. Effective diversification strategy
   HHLA’s ability to compensate for weaker North American volumes by expanding activity across South America, Africa, and Europe demonstrates a smart risk-management approach in port operations and logistics.
4. Higher profitability reflects better efficiency
   The significant increase in operating profit (25.7%) indicates not just higher volumes, but improved operational efficiency and cost control across the terminals.
5. Outlook
   If current trends continue, HHLA is positioned for a potential record-breaking year.

However, factors such as energy costs, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in trade policy remain important variables to watch.