Tariffs and Chinese exports reshaping vehicle carrier market, says Wallenius Wilhelmsen chief
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen chief executive Lasse Kristoffersen says the global vehicle trade is transitioning from a unified system to a more bilateral model, driven by tariffs and geopolitics
- While overall car sales remain flat, shifting trade routes due to rising Chinese vehicle exports are boosting shipping demand through longer car-mile distances
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen expects Chinese vehicle exports to rise by another 2.3m units in 2026, surpassing analyst’s market forecasts
- Despite around 50 new pure car and truck carriers entering the market next year, growing East-West trade imbalances and strong Asian exports are likely to absorb most of the additional capacity
The Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel fleet will continue to steer clear of the Red Sea and Suez Canal, despite plans in place for an eventual return
