LIKE so many of its contemporaries CMA CGM has reported a bleak third quarter but notes it’s at least better than Q2.
Group revenue for Q3 2025 was down 11.3% to USD 14,042 million year-on-year, with EBITDA shrinking 40.5% to USD 2,955 million while net income swooped 72.6% to USD 749 million. EBITDA margin slipped 10.3% to 21%.
The year 2025 continues to be significantly impacted by the geopolitical context and trade tensions, particularly between the United States and its key trading partners, CMA CGM said.
“In this complex environment for global trade, the Group reports a decline in performance in the third quarter compared to the previous year, with a slowdown in maritime activity. Nevertheless, the Group's performance has improved quarter-on-quarter following a second quarter that was marked by an almost complete halt in trade between China and the United States.
“Disruptions related to the situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have continued to pose numerous operational challenges.”
In the shipping sector, CMA CGM notes the Q3 2025 global container shipping market experienced a mixed environment due to unpredictable changes in trade policies. Nevertheless, volumes remained dynamic, supported by strong regional trade and south-south exchanges, while the major east-west routes were being reshaped.
CMA CGM transported 6.2 million TEU in the third quarter of 2025, up 2.3% compared to the third quarter of the previous year and up 3.4% compared to the second quarter of 2025, despite a volatile market environment.
“The increase in volumes occurred amid significant disruptions in trade between China and the United States during the period, marked by stop-and-go episodes, and demonstrates the Group’s ability to redeploy its assets to capture demand where it arises.
“The breadth and diversification of CMA CGM’s maritime operations, with a strong presence across all major global trade lanes, enable the Group to adapt agilely to changes in the market environment and in demand.”
The Group’s maritime revenue reached USD 9.0 billion in the third quarter, down 17.4% compared to the same period in 2024. EBITDA stood at USD 22 billion, representing a decline of 48,8% versus Q3 2024. The margin was 24.9%, down 15.3 points. Average revenue per TEU amounted to USD 1,452, a decrease of 19.2% compared to the same period in 2024.
Logistics activities were much less impacted although there were still drops in revenue and EBITDA, along with a slight drop in margin, mainly due to challenges in the automotive market affecting the performance of finished vehicle logistics and road transport, particularly in Europe, as well as weakness in freight management activities amid a volatile market environment.
Logistics revenue amounted to USD 4.6 billion. EBITDA reached USD 428 million, down 6.8% compared with Q3 2024. The margin stood at 9.3%, down 0.2 points.
“In an unstable context, CMA CGM continues its development both nationally and internationally in countries strategic for the Group.
“In an uncertain environment, the CMA CGM Group remains cautious while maintaining agile and efficient management of its operations and strict cost control to preserve its competitiveness.
“The CMA CGM Group will continue to adapt and anticipate market dynamics in order to seize growth opportunities.”