AI Boom Drives Evergreen Marine Revenue to Near 4-Year High in June

International logistics firm Evergreen Marine Corp. announced a significant surge in its June revenue, reaching NT$3.452 billion. This figure represents a 35.3% increase compared to the same period last year and marks the highest monthly revenue since August 2022. The company attributes this robust performance primarily to sustained high demand within the semiconductor, AI server, and broader high-tech supply chains.

The surge in demand directly translated into increased freight volumes. Evergreen reported that its air freight revenue climbed by 39.4% year-on-year, while sea freight revenue saw a 29.7% increase. For the first half of the year, cumulative revenue reached NT$16.583 billion, a 15.1% rise from the previous year. Taiwan's contribution to this growth was particularly notable, with its high-tech goods exports serving as a crucial transit hub for the United States.

Looking ahead, Evergreen anticipates continued strength in the air cargo market, especially from Asian export hubs. Capacity on routes to the U.S. and within the region remains tight, supporting high freight rates. The trans-Pacific eastbound market experienced a short-term surge in early June due to preemptive shipments by U.S. importers, but overall demand is expected to remain stable.

In the sea freight sector, U.S. import volumes have exceeded expectations since April. Shipping lines are actively managing capacity through strategies like blank sailings, which helps maintain a balance between supply and demand and supports stable freight rates on trans-Pacific routes. However, the company notes that future market conditions will depend on global demand shifts, carriers' capacity management, and the impact of geopolitical factors on transportation costs. While a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East has eased immediate fuel supply risks, uncertainties remain, potentially affecting shipping costs and insurance premiums.