US tariffs, economic gloom continue to hit Clarkson

(Sharecast News) - Shipping broker Clarkson reported weaker interim earnings as US tariffs and an uncertain economic environment continued to hit freight rates. Pre-tax profit for the six months to June 30 fell to £37.5m from £50m a year earlier. Revenues declined to £298m from £310m. The company said it expected annual earnings to be second half weighted.

Clarkson said changes in US government trade policy and a shifting tariff environment, contributed to uncertainty and complexities for chartering activity and asset markets in the first half of 2025.

"Aside from the container segment which experienced a near record increase in tonne-miles caused by disruption from the closure of the Red Sea, freight rates in other markets were lower compared with the first half of 2024," the company said on Monday.

"New EU and US sanctions and the conflict in the Middle East provided some support for energy markets in the first half of the year, although these short-term tailwinds were tempered by lower oil prices and an easing of demand."

"An accelerated unwinding of OPEC+ supply cuts, and new oil production coming online in Latin America, should provide support for tanker markets into the second half of the year."

Shares the company slumped 20% in March as 2024 earnings were hit by US trade tariffs, political tensions and economic weakness.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com