DP World COO says 2026 could be a year of growth, despite tariff challenges - As-salamu alaykum
As-salamu alaykum. DP World, the Dubai-based global ports operator, expects growth next year even though tariffs and trade tensions are pushing up costs, COO Tiemen Meester said this week.
He noted that global trade is broader than just China–US flows, so there are plenty of other markets and routes to tap into. Meester predicted that 2026 “is a year of growth,” and said some markets could see double-digit increases despite the tariff disputes.
He pointed to certain routes doing well, like traffic from the Far East to India and the Middle East, and from the Far East into Latin America. The pattern of trade changed after tariffs were introduced, with some importers into the US having “front-loaded” orders late last year to avoid uncertainty. As a result, imports from the Far East into the US were lower in the second half of this year compared with the same period last year.
Tariffs have also raised costs for DP World’s customers, since shipping lines have had to reroute and redeploy vessels in response to reciprocal levies. Meester explained that tariffs on vessels calling into the US and similar measures on US-owned vessels entering China are adding mutual penalties and costs.
Despite these pressures, shipping companies have borne significant expenses to keep trade moving. Meester said the Middle East is well-placed to benefit as a conduit between East and West, offering improved port infrastructure, logistics, warehousing and easier business processes that help supply chains thrive - which in turn boosts the regional economy.
DP World is increasing investment in emerging markets. Meester said investments in port infrastructure across Asia, India, the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America have risen. He also pointed to the UAE’s numerous Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that have reduced trade barriers, helping confidence in these markets. For example, Jebel Ali’s free zone now hosts over 11,000 companies and has strengthened the port’s role as a regional and global distribution hub.
Meester expects container trade to expand more quickly in the Global South than in traditional markets, increasing demand for port capacity in places like the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The shipping industry has faced several shocks: economic uncertainty, supply-chain bottlenecks, attacks in the Red Sea, and shifts from intermittent tariffs. Meester said supply chains have stabilised since Red Sea disruptions peaked about a year and a half ago. Shipping lines have adapted by using alternate routes such as around the Cape of Good Hope, and while journeys are longer, these networks are functioning.
Access to some Red Sea ports, including in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, was hit harder as ships avoided the area, but trade lanes are now resetting. Meester also noted new entrants - including Russian and Chinese feeder operators - are joining those routes.
May Allah grant steady and beneficial trade for honest businesses and protect seafarers and ports from harm. Wa alaykum as-salam.
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