Geopolitical tensions dominated global maritime trade during the final months of 2025, with US tariffs driving cargo contraction and port charge retaliations from China. A Busan truce offered some relief while Red Sea trials conducted by Maersk and CMA CGM hinted at normalization; container rates continued to surge amid delays highlighting persistent disruptions.
China COSCO Shipping Corporation and CSSC inked an historic RMB 50 billion agreement for 87 new vessels on December 8th 2025, making this order one of the largest orders ever placed to modernize their fleet. On December 18th COSCO also strengthened Hainan Free Trade Port operations due to a newly introduced Island-wide Special Customs Operation system and increased logistics efficiency and global connectivity.
On December 27, 2025, local authorities in Arraijan unlawfully demolished a Chinese monument near the Panama Canal entrance, prompting outrage from President Jose Raul Mulino, Chinas Embassy, and Beijing. Mulino strongly condemned this action and ordered its restoration while China lodged formal protests about this action; all this took place amidst US-China rivalry over canal ports.
BlackRock-led acquisition of CK Hutchison global ports - including Panama Canal terminals - that was due to be acquired through BlackRock for $23 billion is in peril as China's Cosco demands majority stake ownership and tensions escalate between US interests and Cosco. Panama continues its fight against $1.2 billion corruption claims against port operators while simultaneously starting up 2025-2026 cruise season operations.
COSCO Shipping founded ship supply e-platform and commenced US$1.75 billion newbuilding spree for 29 vessels in November 2025