*

Maersk raises full-year profit outlook amid resilient

global

demand

*

Global container volumes expected to grow 2%-4%, up from

previous estimates

*

Q2 EBITDA rose 7% to $2.3 billion, beating analyst

expectations

(Adds container market forecast, quote in paragraphs 2-3)

By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

COPENHAGEN, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Shipping group A.P.

Moller-Maersk on Thursday raised its full-year

profit outlook as global demand for ocean container freight

showed resilience despite concerns of trade wars.

Maersk, viewed as a barometer of world trade, said it now

expects global container volumes to grow between 2% and 4%,

compared with a range of down 1% and up 4% growth

estimated in May

.

A contraction in U.S. imports "was more than offset" by

strong growth in imports into other regions, including Europe,

Maersk said in its second-quarter earnings statement.

"Even with market volatility and historical uncertainty in

global trade, demand remained resilient, and we've continued to

respond with speed and flexibility," CEO Vincent Clerc said.

Maersk now expects underlying earnings before interest, tax,

depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) this year of between $8

billion and $9.5 billion, compared with its previous guidance of

between $6 billion and $9 billion.

Maersk said EBITDA rose 7% year-on-year in the second

quarter to $2.3 billion, compared with $1.98 billion expected by

analysts.

Sales rose 3% year-on-year to $13.1 billion between April

and June, compared with $12.61 billion expected by analysts in a

company-compiled poll.