Among the possible consequences of the conflict in Gaza, the most disturbing is global economy where did it come from Lebanon neither from Syria nor Iranian. He did so from the poorest, most remote and unlikely corner of the region, a country ravaged by war and a fragile ceasefire. Since last November 18, Houthi rebels between Yemen they have attacked two dozen cargo ships at the gates Red SeaActions framed in support of the Palestinians in the Strip, which they vowed to continue until the conflict ends. Israeli attack. Their attacks disrupted traffic along one of the most important routes. world maritime trade. Costs are increasing, patience is increasing United States of America and some of their allies. risk one expansion of war It is again trading higher, although neither side appears interested in a direct confrontation.
85% World Trade to go past Seaway and 15% do so via the Red Sea. A language of warm waters that communicate Mediterrenian with Indian Ocean through Suez Canal in the north and the Bosphorus Bab al-Mandeb In the south. It is necessary to shorten shipping times between – by sea Europe And Asia— 8% of travel grain 12% worldwide Oil is transported by sea and 8% of it liquid gas. But now this place has turned into a sea of pirates once again. high risk route was harassed by Iran’s allies in Yemen with speedboats, drones and cruise missiles. Houthis claim they are only targeting the region Merchants going to Israel or owned by the Jewish State, but the capital of shipping companies is often highly dispersed, and many of the companies attacked claim to have no relationship with Israel.
“This is a problem for europe John Stawpert recently spoke from the International Chamber of Shipping, the world’s largest maritime trade association: It is not for nothing that 40% of commercial exchanges between both continents are transported in containers across the Red Sea. automobiles, shoe anyone electronic raw materials such as Tyre or palm oil. “There is the potential to have something major economic impact“, he added in an interview with Euronews. But according to experts, the crisis will need to continue for months to reach this point.
Alternative route passing the Cape of Good Hope
a dozen right now large international companies I chose change your routes in order to avoid Bab el Mandeb Strait and potential Houthi attacks or kidnappings. The list includes many giants of the industry such as Denmark Maersk or German Hapag-Lloydand oil companies B.P.. At the end of December, traffic in the strait According to Bloomberg, there was a 40 percent decrease. The alternative route is quite longer and more expensive, but also safer. forces Circumnavigating the African continent through Cape of Good Hope (South Africa), which adds a minimum of 10 days to the sailing.
” freight rates has become more expensive and at the same time insurance premiums“But it won’t have a big impact in the short term,” he assures. Jordi Rosell, Professor of Economics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. “This may contribute to: inflation increaseBut for now it will be marginal because freight rates are still very cheap.” The price of shipping containers from China to the Mediterranean has soared, according to consultancy Freightos. 44% in December. In the long run, extra costs should be passed on to the consumer.
The other problem on the South Africa route is delays in deliveriesIt’s starting to affect some big companies. Factories Michelin in SpainA.Ş., which has four production centers and 7,000 workers, is disabling some shifts due to delays in procurement. asian natural rubberIt is used in the production of tires. “There will be distortions in companies’ inventory management. Incoming components or raw materials may cause delays in production,” says Professor Rosell. In any case, during the experience Pandemicseriously disrupted supply chain, should help minimize disruption.
historical background
However, from a historical perspective Houthi sabotage As a pressure measure to stop the war in Gaza 1973 Arab embargoWhen OPEC Because of their support for the Jewish state, it halted crude oil production and halted oil exports to Israel’s Western allies. Yom Kippur WarThe embargo, which lasted for months, triggered inflation in countries such as the USA and led to a serious economic crisis.
Six years ago, during this period Six days’ war (1967), Sweetcorn He chose to close the Suez Canal and did not reopen it until eight years later. Such drastic measures are neither available nor expected at this time. Beyond the rhetorical tantrum, the withdrawal of some ambassadors and the temporary suspension of assignments Normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, HE Arab world not received No punitive measures against Israel was attacked by Hamas En masse on October 7th. And this is his counterattack remained until today 23,000 dead in Gaza or the Strip, according to UN Humanitarian Affairs chief Martin Griffiths.It’s an uninhabitable place.”
coalition led by Washington
But the United States appears eager to put an end to the turmoil at sea. Biden Administration held a meeting coalition of 13 countries not finally entered SpainIt has been patrolling the southern mouth of the Red Sea for several weeks and launched some sort of operation last week. Ultimatum against the Houthis, with whom he has already had some disagreements. He warned in a statement that pro-Iran militias would be forced to do so “take responsibility for the consequences” He described the attacks as “illegal, unacceptable and deeply destabilizing.” Absolutely aware historically drawn red lines According to Washington, the Houthis are not attacking oil tankers.
However, Washington is also trying to prevent the war in Gaza from spreading to the world. LebanonGiven the express wishes of some Israeli leaders and soldiers, expel Hezbollah withdrawal from near its border and stopping daily attacks on its territory. So a major attack on Yemen could disrupt the same efforts and raise the possibility of conflict. all-out war in the region The conflict between Israel and the United States on the one hand, and Iran and its satellites on the other, is the biggest threat plaguing the region since October 7.
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.