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FedEx shares slide as trade turbulence hits demand, profit forecast

FedEx shares dropped on Wednesday, after the logistics giant predicted a current-quarter loss below expectations. This was due to U.S. Tariffs and President Donald Trump’s decision to remove duty-free status for certain consumer shipments coming from China.

In premarket trading, shares of FedEx fell 6% while UPS dropped 1%. DHL, a German competitor, also fell by nearly 2%.

The global demand environment is volatile, said CEO Raj Subramaniam, during an earnings webcast. However, the company did not provide revenue and earnings forecasts for the full year, citing uncertainties regarding U.S. Trade Policies.

FedEx and UPS are seen as economic bellwethers due to their broad customer base, which allows them to have an early understanding of changes in demand.

Russ Mould of AJ Bell's Investment Director noted that FedEx's failure to provide an outlook for this year was "quite telling".

This could cause some concern in the market beyond FedEx's own fortunes.

In April, the Trump administration imposed a 145% tariff on China which intensified a trade war around the world. It then reduced it to 30% by May. FedEx executives expect that tariff policies will continue to weigh on U.S. to China air traffic transit, as FedEx has more exposure to China than UPS.

FedEx Chief Customer officer Brie Carere stated that the biggest impact is due to the Trump administration's decision to end duty-free status on direct-to consumer shipments valued less than $800 from bargain sellers with a China connection, like Temu or Shein.

"FedEx like the Fitbit of the economy." Express tracks business demand, ground tracks ecommerce, and freight reflects industrial strength. "Right now, all three look sluggish," Michael Ashley Schulman said, partner at Running Point Capital Advisors.

The company's gloomy outlook was overshadowed by a profit that was higher than expected for the fourth quarter ending May 31. Cost cuts and increased export volumes pushed operating margins up.

Susannah Streeter is the head of money markets and financial services at Hargreaves Lansdown. She said that FedEx "cost-cutting drive" will continue, but there are more challenges to come as trade continues unpredictably. (Reporting and editing by Shailesh Kuber in Bengaluru, Rashika Singa and Utkarsh shetti from Bengaluru)

(source: Reuters)