Global Shipping Faces Disruption After Red Sea Attacks

International trade is under strain this week after a series of attacks on cargo vessels in the Red Sea forced major shipping companies to reroute their fleets. The incidents, attributed to armed groups operating near Yemen, have raised alarm across global markets and sent insurance costs soaring. Ships carrying vital goods, including oil and consumer products, are now avoiding the Suez Canal route, one of the world’s busiest trade corridors. Instead, many are taking the longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to delivery times and significantly increasing costs. The disruption is already being felt worldwide. European markets are reporting delays in manufacturing supplies, while Asian exporters warn of rising prices for electronics and textiles. Analysts say the ripple effect could push inflation higher just as many economies were beginning to stabilize. Governments are responding with urgency. The United States and its allies have announced naval patrols to secure shipping lanes, while the United Nations has called for immediate de-escalation to protect civilian trade. Yet, with tensions in the region still high, there is little certainty about how quickly stability can be restored. This crisis highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains and the way regional conflicts can have far-reaching consequences. For businesses and consumers alike, the coming months may bring higher costs and longer waits for essential goods.