Analysis of Influencing Factors in the Container Shipping Industry and Investment Value of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings for 2026

At the end of 2025, investors focused on the development of the container shipping industry in 2026, with key attention on the impact of 8 factors (including the resumption of Red Sea shipping, Russia-Ukraine peace, and green environmental protection regulations) on the industry. COSCO SHIPPING Holdings’ stock price fell slightly by 1.35% in 2025, with a current price-to-earnings ratio of 6.25x and a price-to-book ratio of 1.02x, which is in the lower valuation range of the industry. Its return on equity is 16.14% and net profit margin is 16.78%, indicating a sound financial position [0].

Regarding the Red Sea route, Maersk completed its first navigation through the Red Sea and Suez Canal in nearly two years on December 19, 2025, marking an initial attempt at route resumption, but the timeline and stability of full resumption are still affected by geopolitical risks [1]. In terms of green environmental protection regulations, the EU plans to expand climate policies such as carbon border tax, which may increase compliance costs for container shipping companies, but the specific extent of the impact is not yet clear [2]. Discussions related to the Russia-Ukraine peace agreement are unverified speculative content, with no public information to support them [0].

1. Divergence in Industry Supply-Demand and Freight Rate Trends
   : In 2025, shipping freight rates remained at a relatively high level due to supply chain tensions, but diverged at the end of the year. The partial resumption of the Red Sea route may ease regional supply chain pressures, but the uncertainty of full resumption will continue to affect freight rate expectations [1].
2. Uncertainty in Environmental Regulation Costs
   : The specific details of policies such as the EU’s carbon border tax have not yet been released. Container shipping enterprises need to closely monitor policy developments and lay out plans in advance to cope with potential cost pressures [2].
3. Valuation Advantage of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings
   : The company currently has a low valuation in the industry, and its sound financial indicators provide support for its investment value. If the industry’s supply-demand pattern improves, there is upside potential for the stock price [0].

• Opportunities
  : If the Red Sea shipping resumption achieves stable operation, it will optimize the global container shipping supply chain and improve industry efficiency; the company’s low valuation and sound finances provide potential for long-term investment [0].
• Risks
  : Geopolitical risks related to Red Sea shipping resumption still exist, which may lead to route interruptions again; if the cost impact of green environmental protection regulations exceeds expectations, it will squeeze corporate profits; global trade uncertainty and potential changes in the Russia-Ukraine situation may all affect the industry’s supply-demand pattern and freight rates [0].

This analysis comprehensively evaluates the impact of 8 factors on the competitive landscape of the container shipping industry in 2026 and the investment value of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings. Currently, the company has a low valuation and sound finances, but it is necessary to pay attention to the dynamic changes of factors such as the stability of Red Sea shipping resumption, the costs of environmental regulations, and geopolitical risks.