HMM Reports 37% Drop in First-Half Net Profit Amid Market Uncertainty
- Aug 13
- 1 min read
South Korean shipping company HMM reported a 37% year-on-year decline in net profit for the first half of 2026, reaching KRW 765 billion.
Revenue increased by 12% to KRW 6.12 trillion, while operating profit fell by 26% to KRW 623.2 billion. Despite higher costs related to the Middle East conflict and fuel prices, HMM maintained a strong operating margin of 10.2%.
The carrier’s second-quarter performance improved compared with the opening three months of the year. Revenue reached KRW 3.4 trillion, while operating profit rose to KRW 354.1 billion, supported by an earlier peak season and a recovery in freight rates from late May.
HMM expects market uncertainty to remain elevated during the second half of 2026 due to additional vessel capacity, US tariff policies, port congestion and continued geopolitical disruption in the Middle East. The company plans to focus on fuel-cost optimisation, efficient fleet deployment and securing additional demand, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Image source: seatrade-maritime.com
