PODCAST: Gaza ceasefire could reopen Suez Canal, reset container trade system

Will Beacham

14-Jan-2025

BARCELONA (ICIS)–A ceasefire in the Gaza conflict could potentially end attacks in the Red Sea, reopening the Suez Canal and normalizing the Asia-to-Europe container shipping route.

  • Gaza ceasefire could stop Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping
  • Route via Cape of Good Hope takes 10 days longer than Suez Canal
  • Reopening Suez would add 10 days of inventory to the market
  • Europe would be open to more Asia exports
  • Freight rates could fall as container capacity is freed up
  • Ceasefire negotiations ongoing
  • ‘Stunning’ levels of overcapacity expected in China in 2025
  • New Cefic report highlights need for new Europe industrial deal for chemicals

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Nigel Davis and John Richardson from the ICIS market development team and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

Click here to listen to the podcast

Editor’s note: This podcast is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the presenter and interviewees, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.

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