Empty Shelves Threaten the US: Mærsk CEO Warns of Trump’s Next Major Price War

Warning from the World’s Largest Shipping Company

Americans have become accustomed to fully stocked shelves. However, that reality might soon change, warns Mærsk CEO Vincent Clerc.

An escalating trade war with China, with tariffs as high as 145%, now threatens to create both inflation and shortages of goods.

“We have never seen empty shelves in the US, and that’s not what any American has voted for,” Clerc said according to Berlingske.

Disrupted Flow of Goods

In ports like the Port of Los Angeles, the volume of goods from China has already plummeted—down by 35% in April.

Retail chains such as Walmart and Target warn of imminent price increases and shortages if Trump doesn’t change course.

Mærsk is now experiencing significant drops in freight volumes and sees a U.S. market where companies are stalling due to fear of the future.

No Easy Solution

Clerc warns against the idea of moving production back to the U.S. The workforce isn’t available, and the complex supply chains can’t be rebuilt overnight.

He describes the current trade climate as “unbearably uncertain” and emphasizes that low imports combined with high consumption will inevitably lead to empty inventories—and anxious voters.

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