Shipping company Clarkson has warned that geopolitical tension around the globe is set to harm its revenues in 2025.

The FTSE 250 group, which is headquartered in London, did announce a rise in revenue to £661.4m in 2024, up from £639.4m a year previously, in its results covering the year to 31 December 2024.

However, Clarkson also stated that conflicts around the world and turmoil over trade conditions are “creating uncertainty for markets”, reflected by freight rates and asset values.

The group’s CEO, Andi Case, said that 2024 had been a year of “disruption, complexity and opportunity for global shipping markets”.

“The geopolitical outlook remains uncertain as we enter 2025, with ongoing regional conflicts and trade tensions creating uncertainty for markets reflected by freight rates and asset values currently lower than 2024,” Case said.

“The resolution or continuation of these events during the year will provide potential headwinds and tailwinds to the group’s performance as we support our clients through this complexity.”

Upon the release of its annual results, Clarkson’s share price fell by over 19% on the London Stock Exchange, to £35.68, the company’s lowest price since November.

AJ Bell investment director, Russ Mould, commented that Clarkson looks to be a “victim of Donald Trump’s trade war before it has got fully underway”.

“Uncertainty around tariffs have weighed on freight rates and asset values, creating headwinds for the shipping broker,” Mould added.

“It’s also bad news for so-called star fund manager Nick Train who has suffered multiple years of underperformance with the Finsbury Growth & Income investment vehicle. Clarkson is one of the recent additions to the portfolio and today’s share price slump doesn’t put the investment off to a good start.

“Nick Train recently said timing the initiation of new holdings is always tricky but share price weakness in 2024 was a trigger for buying Clarkson. The shipping company’s latest warning will be unwelcome for Train but he’s no stranger to sitting out difficult periods for investments.”

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