Shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk has launched a new digital platform aimed at helping global businesses navigate the mounting complexity and volatility in international trade, as tariffs rise and regulatory scrutiny intensifies.
The platform, dubbed the Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio, will serve as a centralized, AI-powered tool for managing customs procedures, optimizing duty payments, and ensuring compliance across increasingly fragmented global supply chains.
“For decades, global trade operated in an environment of declining tariffs and fewer barriers. That era is over for now,” said Lars Karlsson, Maersk’s Global Head of Trade & Customs Consulting. “We are seeing what many of our customers describe as ‘tariff chaos’. Our new solution brings clarity and agility when businesses need it most.”
The platform is set to go live in the United States on June 28, following pilot tests with major multinational clients. A global rollout is expected by August.
Maersk estimates that on average, companies overpay 5–6% in tariffs due to a lack of centralized data and tariff optimization. Meanwhile, 20% of shipment delays stem from inadequate customs preparation. Compounding the issue, only about half of the trade eligible for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) actually utilizes them, largely due to the complexity of managing over 650 existing FTAs across jurisdictions.
“Many global firms still depend on dozens of local customs brokers across different ports and countries. This creates data silos, higher costs, and risk exposure,” said Karlsson.
Platform Capabilities
The Trade & Tariff Studio integrates real-time updates from data partners and Maersk’s network of 2,700 customs professionals worldwide. It combines: AI-driven tariff engineering to ensure accurate classification across over 6,000 product categories and 20,000 sub-codes; upstream compliance screening to avoid costly detentions and delays; and a unified dashboard that enables integration of local brokers while maintaining global oversight.
The system also helps businesses prepare for growing regulatory requirements, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and new deforestation regulations.
Customs inspections have intensified in key markets, particularly in the U.S., where regulatory checks have spiked in recent months. Maersk sees its role expanding from traditional freight services to strategic advisory as clients face a tightening compliance landscape.
“Customs declaration is one of the most complex areas in global logistics,” Karlsson said. “We’re not just simplifying the process, we’re transforming it into a competitive advantage.”
The Trade & Tariff Studio is part of Maersk’s broader push to deepen its footprint in integrated logistics, offering both standalone services and bundled solutions for cargo owners seeking end-to-end supply chain control.