French Shipping Giant CMA CGM Warns Demand Is Deteriorating

  • World’s third-largest container line gives gloomy 2023 outlook
  • Family firm cites political tension, economic uncertainty
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French shipping giant CMA CGM SA, controlled by the billionaire Rodolphe Saade and his family, warned of a steep drop in demand so far this year, extending a slump that led to a more than halving of quarterly profit.

A downturn that began in the second half of last year “remained at play in 2023, as market conditions in the transport and logistics industry continue to deteriorate,” the world’s third-largest container line said in a statement Friday. The company cited a sharp decrease in freight rates, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.