Trump 2.0 trade policies curb ship deals for now but could spur more later
- Tariffs are depressing the broader stock market, pulling shipping equities lower, increasing discounts to NAV and rendering shipping shares less viable as M&A currency
- As they wait out uncertainty, owners focus on improving balance sheets and exploring strategic opportunities for the future
- USTR port fees could spur significant S&P activity for secondhand China-built tonnage, as well as restructuring of vessel holding companies to limit exposure
Tariffs have indirectly stymied ship purchases by further depressing share valuations. However, the port fee plan could eventually lead to a flurry of S&P activity and holding company restructurings as owners move to shield themselves from fallout
