# CIMC reports higher container sales despite pressure on profitability

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/cimc-container-sales-third-quarter-2026/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-11-01T15:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-01T10:30:50+00:00
- **Section:** Business / Company Results
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** CIMC, Container Demand, Container Manufacturing, Dry Containers, Reefer Containers, Shipping Equipment

China International Marine Containers (CIMC) reported increased container sales during the first nine months of 2026, supported by stronger international trade and demand for shipping equipment, although lower container prices and exchange rate movements weighed on profitability in its manufacturing business.

According to the group’s third-quarter report, sales of dry cargo containers reached approximately 2.06 million TEU between January and September, an increase of 14.05% from 1.80 million TEU in the corresponding period of 2025.

CIMC attributed the improvement to resilient global merchandise trade, particularly exports from Asia, alongside constraints on effective container shipping capacity and relatively low vessel turnaround efficiency. The company said these conditions supported demand for new containers throughout the period.

Refrigerated container sales reached 152,600 TEU, compared with 153,500 TEU a year earlier. CIMC highlighted continued demand for refrigerated equipment associated with fruit shipments from South America, although overall reefer sales were slightly below the previous year’s level.

Despite higher production and sales volumes, the container manufacturing business recorded a year-on-year decline in net profit. The group attributed the decrease to lower container selling prices settled during the first half of 2026 and the impact of currency movements.

At group level, CIMC generated revenue of RMB126.81 billion during the first nine months, representing an increase of 8.33% year on year. However, net profit attributable to shareholders and other equity holders declined by 7.53% to RMB1.45 billion.

For the third quarter alone, revenue increased by 16.91% to RMB47.90 billion, while attributable net profit rose by 146.40% to RMB708.3 million compared with the same period in 2025.

Beyond container manufacturing, CIMC reported growth across several logistics and equipment activities. Its road transportation vehicle subsidiary, CIMC Vehicles, sold approximately 116,000 vehicles globally during the first nine months, an increase of 14.62% year on year.

The group’s logistics services subsidiary, CIMC Wetrans, also reported higher revenue and profit. Gross profit from its sea transportation activities increased by more than 20%, while a new container yard joint venture in Tianjin commenced operations during the reporting period.

In its offshore engineering business, CIMC reported new orders worth US$5.7 billion during the first nine months, compared with US$260 million a year earlier. The order backlog at CIMC Raffles exceeded US$10 billion at the end of September, including contracts for floating production facilities, VLCCs and pure car and truck carriers.

The company’s latest results indicate that container manufacturing volumes continued to grow during 2026, even as pricing and currency pressures affected earnings. The financial statements for the period were unaudited.

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Cite as: "CIMC reports higher container sales despite pressure on profitability", pelavox., 1 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/cimc-container-sales-third-quarter-2026/