Kühne+Nagel, the sea freight market leader among logistics groups, has to record a relatively significant decline in profits for 2025. The maritime business was not unaffected by the weaker general conditions either.
In the past business year, the Kühne+Nagel Group generated net sales of CHF 24.5 billion – the equivalent of around € 26.8 billion. Compared to the previous year, this represents a decrease of 1%, but adjusted for currency effects an increase of 3%. Operating EBIT amounted to CHF 1.38 billion after CHF 1.67 billion in the previous year. Net profit, on the other hand, fell by 25% to CHF 925 million.
Stefan Paul, CEO of Kühne+Nagel International AG, was nevertheless not too dissatisfied in a press release: “In a year with deteriorating economic conditions, we were able to achieve further growth through the consistent implementation of our strategy. As a logistics partner for the development of cloud and server infrastructure, we have gained significant market share, particularly in air freight. At the same time, we have successfully maintained our position as the global number 1 in sea and airfreight volumes.” For the business year 2026, Kühne+Nagel forecasts an operating EBIT in the range of CHF 1.2 to 1.4 billion.
Net revenue of the Seafreight business unit amounted to CHF 8.8 billion in the business year 2025, a decrease of 5%. Operating EBIT fell by 32% to CHF 585 million. With a transport volume of 4.3 million TEU, the division was able to confirm its “leading global position in sea freight”. The strategic goal of further expanding business with medium-sized customers was also achieved. For the first time, these customers accounted for half of the total business volume. “This enabled the company to stabilize the margin development in the second half of 2025,” the statement reads.
Jörg Wolle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kühne+Nagel International AG, said: “We had no tailwind from the markets – everything we have achieved is the result of our own work. We owe this to our convincing strategy, a clear market positioning and the expansion of networks in markets such as North America and Asia, but also to a high level of discipline and, last but not least, the cost-cutting measures launched in the fall.” (MM)
