Finance

Shipping giant CMA CGM resumes Russia trade with food cargo

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 21, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Shipping giant CMA CGM resumes Russia trade with food cargo
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PARIS (Reuters) -French-based CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping line, has resumed limited services to Russia, notably to transport food, three years after withdrawing from the

CMA CGM Restarts Limited Food Cargo Services to Russia

PARIS (Reuters) -French-based CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping line, has resumed limited services to Russia, notably to transport food, three years after withdrawing from the country following its invasion of Ukraine, the company said.

Like other Western firms, CMA CGM halted its activities in Russia, stopping its shipping services and also divesting stakes held in port terminals.

The group's CNC subsidiary has now relaunched the shipping of foodstuffs such as citrus fruit and coffee to Russia to meet demand from certain customers, CMA CGM said in an emailed statement.

"This activity is very limited and conducted strictly in accordance with the sanctions regime in place," it said, without giving further details.

French daily newspaper Ouest France, which had previously reported the development, said CMA CGM was not using its own fleet but booking space for its containers on vessels of other lines.

CMA CGM joins Swiss-based rival MSC in shipping cargo to Russia. MSC has maintained shipments there during the war in Ukraine but limited them to food, medical and humanitarian goods.

(Reporting by Gus Trompiz, Editing by Louise Heavens)

Key Takeaways

  • CMA CGM resumes limited services to Russia for food cargo.
  • The company halted Russian operations after Ukraine invasion.
  • CMA CGM uses other lines' vessels for shipping.
  • MSC continues limited shipments to Russia.
  • Operations comply with current sanctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CMA CGM?
CMA CGM is a French-based global shipping company and the world's third-largest container shipping line, specializing in transporting goods across international waters.
What is food cargo?
Food cargo refers to the transportation of food products, including perishables like fruits and vegetables, by shipping lines to meet market demands.

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