30/09/2024
The Suez Canal, a crucial waterway linking Europe to Asia and East Africa, plays a vital role in global trade. As of December 15, 2023, the disruption caused by attacks from Iran-backed Houthi militants on commercial ships in the Red Sea has led four major container shipping companies to suspend or pause their services in the region. This has prompted over 100 container ships to be rerouted around southern Africa to avoid the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal, spanning 192 km, is a crucial trade route between Asia and Europe, facilitating the movement of about 19,000 ships annually, including a substantial portion of Indian exports worth approximately $200 billion. The re-routing of ships adds both cost and time to their journeys. This has led to spikes in oil prices and war risk insurance premiums. While few immediate effects have been reported, a prolonged disruption could potentially cause shortages of products and parts for consumers and manufacturers. The blockage of trade routes or the use of alternative routes often results in increased freight rates due to longer routes and reduced volumes. While this benefits shipping companies, the rise in transportation costs and shipment delays can have broader implications. If the Red Sea conflict persists or intensifies, it may fuel inflationary pressures and maintain high financing costs in the short to medium term. Supply chain disruptions caused by delays and rerouting could lead to increased costs for industries heavily reliant on imported raw materials. The alternate route between Europe and Asia may take two to three more weeks, contributing to longer transit times for ships and firming up freight prices. The alternate route between Europe and Asia, with ships spending longer in transit, is expected to lead to a firming up of freight prices. India, being a significant player in global trade, will likely witness impacts on its exports of manufactured goods, including automotive parts, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, imports of non-coking coal from the US and Russia, as well as Russian oil imports, which usually pass through the Suez Canal, are likely to be affected. In response to the increased threat, the United States has taken steps to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a maritime task force aimed at safeguarding these vessels from Houthi militant attacks. This initiative underscores the international efforts to address the challenges faced by shipping companies in the region and mitigate the impact on global trade. The situation remains dynamic, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the region.