London CNN —Shipping giant Maersk is laying off thousands more workers as weak demand and lower freight prices pummel its revenues — a sign the pandemic-driven boom in shipping is turning to bust.
“Our industry is facing a new normal with subdued demand, prices back in line with historical levels and inflationary pressures on our cost base,” Maersk Chief Executive Vincent Clerc said in a statement.
The composite cost of shipping a 40-foot container on eight major global routes stood at $1,406 this week, according to London-based Drewry Shipping.
Maersk also said it expected its full-year profit to come in at the lower end of its previously stated range of $9.5 billion to $11 billion.
The company’s shares sank as much as 12.5% in early trade Friday, extending those losses later to trade down 17.2% by 7.41 a.m.
Persons:
”, Vincent Clerc, Maersk
Organizations:
London CNN — Shipping, ” Maersk, Drewry Shipping
Locations:
Danish, London