Red Sea crisis: Suez Canal traffic impacts

The attacks in the Red Sea are disrupting commercial and humanitarian supplies. International partners have raised alarm over the economic and humanitarian impact of the escalating attacks on ships in the Red Sea which are adding strain to shipping routes already hit by conflicts and climate change. The crisis in the Red Sea, marked by Houthi-led attacks disrupting shipping routes, has added another layer of complexity.

In response to the Red Sea crisis, major players in the shipping industry have temporarily suspended Suez transits. The diversion of cargo flow has a major impact on the access to commodities, especially for countries relying heavily on imports. That will also lead to higher costs and delays for humanitarian operations in the Horn of Africa. Continued tensions in the area may result in diverting international attention from the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the climate-related impacts on countries within Southern and Eastern Africa.

The situation is fluid and volatile, with the worst plummets in the last 7 years seen in early 2024. This has a potential for significant consequences depending on future developments.