Kuala Lumpur: Westports Holdings Bhd reported an increase in net profit for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, with a rise of nine percent to RM222.46 million compared to RM204.51 million in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter surged to RM621.3 million from RM543.15 million previously.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the port operator attributed this growth to the intra-Asia regional trade, which significantly contributed to Westports' container volume, making up 63 percent of the volume handled. Additionally, the conventional segment processed a throughput of 2.95 million metric tonnes of bulk cargo, witnessing a notable rise in activities involving liquid bulk, including palm oil-related products, liquefied petroleum gas, and bunker.

Westports executive chairman Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam remarked on the ongoing tariff war between the United States and China, noting that the escalation of tariff rates among major global trading nations could result in inflationary pressures that might reduce consumer purchasing power and spending. This situation raises the risk of economic slowdowns or potential recessions in key trading countries.

He further mentioned that a decrease in containerised trade might emerge as an immediate outcome. Nevertheless, the regional trade realignment and the economic dynamism in Asia could help alleviate some of the downward pressure on container volume. As economic participants adjust to the current trade disruptions and uncertain outlook, the company anticipates maintaining this year's volume at levels comparable to last year's throughput, with plans to reassess this guidance as the year progresses.