CMA CGM soars in second quarter

GLOBAL Number Three container line CMA CGM turned in impressive results for the second quarter of 2026, reporting a 42.4% increase in shipping EBITDA year-on-year, to USD 2.26 billion.

Revenue was up 22% to USD 9.96 billion on the back of a 6% increase in volumes to 6.33 million TEU, driven by strong demand in a market environment driven by continued uncertainty. EBITDA margin rose 3.33 points to 22.7% reflecting higher freight rates – average revenue per TEU was UD 1,575 per TEU, up 15.1% year-on-year.

Revenue from the logistics activity amounted to USD 5.0 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up 8.5% compared with the second quarter of 2025, supported by organic growth, scope effects and foreign exchange impacts, CMA CGM said.

However, EBITDA reached USD 388 million, down 15.4% compared with the second quarter of 2025. The EBITDA margin stood at 7.8%, down 2.2 percentage points, reflecting pressure on freight forwarding activities in a challenging market environment, as well as continued difficulties affecting the automotive sector.

At a group level, 2Q revenue amounted to USD 15.7 billion, up 19.2% compared with the second quarter of 2025.

EBITDA reached USD 3.0 billion, an increase of 31%, representing an EBITDA margin of 19%, up 1.7 percentage points year-on-year. This improvement was mainly driven by the shipping business, supported by a favourable volume effect and improved freight rates in a context marked by geopolitical disruptions and heightened risks to global supply chains.

“Against a backdrop of continued geopolitical instability, the Group delivered solid results in the second quarter of 2026, driven by the performance of our shipping activities, the growth of our terminals and air cargo businesses, and the complementary strengths of our logistics operations," said company chair and chief executive Rodolphe Saadé.

“This performance reflects our strategy of expanding in key markets and investing in strategic assets. They once again demonstrate the strength of our model, our agility and our resilience, all in support of delivering reliable, high-quality service to our customers.”

In its outlook for the rest of the year CMA CGM said the geopolitical environment remains marked by significant uncertainties.  

“Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt maritime routes and impact market conditions, particularly freight rates and operating costs. At the same time, developments in trade policies, especially tariff measures adopted by certain countries, could influence global trade flows in the coming months," the company stated.

“Against this backdrop, the CMA CGM Group is pursuing a prudent yet agile approach. Its presence across the entire logistics value chain, the adaptability of its network and the strength of its balance sheet are key assets enabling the Group to navigate changes in its operating environment and continue supporting its customers over the long term.”