WiseTech’s Richard White dimisses tariffs ‘noise’, | Australian Markets

WiseTech Global founder Richard White insists the “noise” round US President Donald Trump’s tariffs shouldn’t overshadow the company’s prospects, even because the group warned it may face a harder second half of the 12 months.

The logistics software program group, which final week confirmed it was eyeing its greatest ever acquisition, advised traders on Tuesday it was dealing with potential “headwinds for the remainder of 2025”, linked partly to the tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty.

WiseTech cited forecasts from maritime analysis consultancy Drewry pointing to decrease cross-border shipments of containers, that are a key focus of the Australian’s group software program choices.

“Drewry is projecting global container volumes to decline by one per cent in calendar year 2025, marking only the third such downturn in Drewry’s history and in contrast to the 5 per cent-plus growth in 2024,” it mentioned.

“Uncertainty in the current geopolitical landscape, macroeconomic conditions and the global trading environment, relating to potential demand risks from announced trade tariffs, may be a headwind for the remainder of the 1925 financial year.”

However, Mr White, who controversially regained management control of WiseTech in February after revelations about his personal conduct, later advised the Macquarie Australia Conference in Sydney that he and the group weren’t going to be distracted by the tariffs or the menace they pose to world container trade.

“It doesn’t matter, because . . . that’s noise,” Mr White mentioned, urging traders to as an alternative give attention to “the growth of WiseTech and its products, and its capabilities”.

He mentioned WiseTech had but to see any main pullback in container demand, although “we have seen a tiny reduction in one of the key statistics”.

However, given there was a huge build-up forward of the tariffs being applied final month as importers pulled product ahead, “we are not really sure whether that’s the bleed-out of the draw forward or it’s something else”.

WiseTech admitted it was evaluating a potential $3.5 billion buy of US software program firm e2open, although the admission has acquired a lukewarm reception from traders frightened concerning the risk and the timing.

The company and Mr White are nonetheless dealing with shareholder unrest over his return to the company, although the billionaire advised the Macquarie convention he was dedicated to “top-notch” company governance.

Mr White — who based WiseTech and grew it into a $30b, ASX-listed giant — stepped down final 12 months because the company’s chief govt amid a board investigation into his relationship with workers.

However, he regained control three months in the past as govt chairman, regardless of a board-commissioned investigation discovering he failed to totally disclose personal relationships with workers.

His return was preceded by the departure of 4 unbiased administrators who had voiced concern about his ongoing affect within the company.

AustralianTremendous subsequently bought its remaining $580 million stake in WiseTech, “because recent developments have not met our expectations”.