Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPH Trust) reported higher revenue and profit for the first half of 2026, supported by stronger throughput at its terminals in mainland China despite weaker volumes in Hong Kong. Revenue and other income increased 9.5% year-on-year to HK$6.19 billion, while operating profit rose 29.6% to HK$2.76 billion. Profit attributable to HPH Trust unitholders surged 85% to HK$490.5 million. The trust’s ports handled 5% more containers during the first six months of the year. Throughput at Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT) increased 10%, while the combined throughput at HIT, COSCO-HIT and Asia Container Terminals (ACT) in Hong Kong declined 5%. HPH Trust said outbound cargo to the United States increased 6%, while exports to Europe rose 16% during the period. The company increased capital expenditure by 28% to HK$277 million as it continued investing in its terminal network. HPH Trust declared an interim distribution of 5.00 HK cents per unit, with payment scheduled for 18 September 2026. Looking ahead, the trust warned that geopolitical tensions, particularly in Iran and the wider Middle East, continue to create uncertainty for the port sector. It said security concerns surrounding the resumption of Suez Canal services, changing US trade policies and higher fuel and freight costs could affect cargo flows and operating performance. The company also noted that uncertainty over future US tariff policy could influence container shipping patterns and outbound cargo volumes. While consumer confidence has shown signs of stabilising in both the United States and Europe, demand remains subdued. On sustainability, HPH Trust said it now expects to achieve its target of reducing emissions by 30% ahead of 2030. The company has also adopted a new goal of cutting emissions intensity by 45% by 2035, compared with 2021 levels. The post HPH Trust reports higher H1 profit as throughput grows 5% appeared first on Container News .