Freight rate slump halves HMM earnings to $1.3b in 2025

The company maintains its margin amidst global container market slump.

HMM recorded a net profit of $1.30b (KRW1.88t) in 2025—a 50.3% decrease from 2024—whilst posting revenue of $7.55b (KRW10.90t) and operating profit of $1.01b (KRW1.46t).

Operating margin stood at 13.4% during the period, allowing the company to maintain profitability amidst a weak global shipping market, HMM said.

Freight rates fell across major trade lanes, declining 49% on routes to the US West Coast and Europe, whilst dropping 42% on the US East Coast.

The Shanghai Shipping Exchange’s Shanghai Containerised Freight Index averaged 1,581 points in 2025, representing a 37% decline from the 2024 average of 2,506 points.

HMM noted that a large volume of new container vessel deliveries is expected to create oversupply, whilst demand growth remains weak, likely resulting in continued supply–demand imbalances.

The company plans to expand its hub-and-spoke network and strengthen low-emission service offerings in its container segment, whilst pursuing growth through portfolio diversification and identifying new business opportunities in its bulk segment.

(US$1 = KRW1,442.78)