CMA CGM’s Q1 ‘resilient’

CMA CGM chairman and CEO Rudolphe Saadé has hailed the Group’s first quarter performance as ‘resilient’ despite reporting a 31.6% fall in EBITDA to USD 2.11 billion, compared the Q1 2025.

Revenue, however, was steady at USD 13.23 bn. EBITDA margin dropped 7.3 percentage point to 16%, while net income fell from USD 1.12 bn in Q1 2025 to 0.25 bn this year.

In the first quarter of 2026, transported volumes amounted to 5.9 million TEUs, slightly up by 1.5% compared with the first quarter of 2025, driven by growing demand in a volatile market environment. Maritime revenue reached USD 8.0 billion, down 8.5% compared with the first quarter of 2025, mainly due to an average revenue per TEU of USD 1,351, decreasing by 9.8% year-on-year.

The first quarter of 2026 took place in a still-volatile market environment for shipping and logistics, marked by persistent geopolitical tensions and ongoing macroeconomic and trade uncertainties, the Group said.

In this context, the CMA CGM Group continued to demonstrate agility and operational discipline to optimize fleet deployment, adapt its services and control costs, while pursuing strategic investments across the entire value chain.

“In an uncertain geopolitical context, the Group delivered resilient performance in the first quarter of 2026, supported by the strength of our shipping activities and the diversification of our business model,” Mr Saadé.

“While tensions in the Middle East and disruptions across global supply chains continued to weigh on the industry, we adjusted our network, implemented alternative logistics corridors and maintained reliable service for our customers.

“Looking ahead, our priority remains clear: protecting our people, managing risks with discipline and preserving the Group’s agility as we continue to grow and develop.”

The escalation of tensions in the Middle East continues to impact shipping patterns and remains a key factor in the evolution of market balance and operating costs, particularly amid rising oil prices and changes in freight rates. Countries’ decisions related to trade policies and tariffs also continue to affect the organisation of global trade flows, the Group said.

“In this uncertain environment, the CMA CGM Group remains vigilant and will rely on the diversification of its activities, the flexibility of its network, and its strong financial position.”