KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): Global logistics giant AP Moller-Maersk A/S said it is observing gradual shifts in global supply chains, from China to Southeast Asia, driven by ongoing trade tensions and rising regional consumption.

At a press conference following the launch of its new mega distribution centre in Shah Alam, managing director for Southeast Asia Elaine Low said sourcing diversification across Asia has picked up, with more orders now coming from within the region compared to the US and Europe.

“We do see some sourcing trend changes, you know, from China to Southeast Asia, and that's why we are putting our investments in Southeast Asia.”

She added, “But on the reverse side, we also see China consumption going up as well.”

Low said that while demand for luxury goods was observed to be softening, orders for essential and fast-moving consumer products have remained robust.

Maersk had previously adopted a long-term “integrator strategy”, focused on end-to-end logistics for its customers.

Low said the strategy helps buffer against geopolitical trade risks by expanding Maersk’s operations beyond ocean shipping into warehousing, trucking, and air freight, enabling the company to simplify and de-risk supply chains.

The group operates nine distribution centres within Malaysia with up to 85 port calls per week, making Malaysia a key market within Maersk’s regional network, according to Low.

Its facility at Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor serves as its largest transshipment hub globally.

The newly launched Maersk Mega Distribution Centre in Shah Alam is the company’s largest contract logistics facility in the Asia-Pacific region, spanning 180,000 sq m and designed to support a range of commodities, including fast-moving consumer goods, food, footwear and apparel.

This article has been updated for accuracy. 

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