Donald Trump's victory earlier this week has monopolised today's "Quotes of the week". For more on TradeWinds' coverage of the historic US presidential election read the latest issue here.

“Nobody wins elections nowadays without a dose of populism. I don’t believe Trump will do any of the dangerous things he said he would.”

George Xiradakis, the Piraeus-based chief of shipping finance consultancy XRTC, knows a thing or two about populism. He lives in Greece after all!

“One thing is what you say, another what you do.”

Herbjorn Hansson, chief executive of Nordic American Tankers, makes a clear cut discrimination between words and actions.

“The American democracy has checks and balances. Congress doesn’t allow a president to get out of control.”

John Platsidakis of Intercargo is optimistic that Donald Trump will not be running wild in the Oval Office.

“Trump can say whatever he wants but the real power in the US, the corporate sector, will never allow him to do it. They will come down on him like a ton of bricks. Globalisation will continue as per normal.”

Khalid Hashim of Precious Shipping appears to be a big fan of globalisation.

“[Trump] is going to be good for dry bulk. If you follow the election promises of more infrastructure spending, he is going to need a lot more imports.”

Shipowner John Angelicoussis is being cynical and optimistic at the same time.

 

“I am in shock. It was not the outcome I was expecting. It’s not at all clear what impact it will have on shipping at this point.”

Anthony Gurnee of Ardmore Shipping needs some time to understand what exactly has happened.

“We will have to wait and see what Trump’s policies bring. The most important will be the US stance in the Middle East which could have all sorts of implications for shipping.”

James Kidwell of Braemar Shipping Services is worried about the future of Middle East.

“When the dust settles I believe shipping will certainly not get worse. What is said during a heated campaign and what actually is enacted is usually different and quite watered down.”

Michael Tusiani of Poten & Partners will just wait for the dust to settle and this sounds like a good idea!

“Any form of protectionism or wall building must be negative, except for those who are going to build the wall.”

Jonathan Lee of Tankers International does not have a positive view on protectionism, and how could he?