More than 100 container ships redirected as US considers Red Sea reaction

Over a hundred container ships are rerouting around Africa to avoid violence in the Red Sea, leading to increased costs and delays. The attacks on merchant ships by Yemen-based Houthi fighters have escalated the Israel-Hamas war, prompting the U.S. and its allies to consider possible responses without worsening the situation. Companies are also considering using rail and air routes instead of the dangerous waterway, leading to rising insurance premiums, freight rates, and oil prices.

The U.S. and its allies are forming a task force to take action against the Iran-backed Houthis, with possible military strikes being considered. However, diplomacy remains the preferred approach, and some countries fear attacks could provoke the Houthis to act even more aggressively. Shippers are concerned about potential delays due to convoys, and the disruption is being compared to the Suez Canal closure in 2021, as the Panama Canal is also slowing. Despite this, the disruptions are expected to have a modest economic impact.

The rerouting of ships and potential military response to the attacks on merchant ships by the Houthis in the Red Sea have led to increased costs and delays, with companies considering alternative routes and insurance premiums rising. The U.S. and its allies are weighing their response, with potential military strikes being considered, but diplomacy remains the preferred approach. Shippers are concerned about potential delays due to convoys, and the disruptions are compared to the Suez Canal closure in 2021, but are expected to have only a modest economic impact.

Source .