Red Sea Return Scuttled by Houthi Vessel Sinking

Red Sea Return Scuttled by Houthi Vessel Sinking

Jul 22, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The deadly July 7 attack on the Eternity C cargo vessel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels marks one of the most severe escalations yet in the Red Sea shipping crisis, reinforcing the view that this vital trade artery will remain off-limits for carriers through 2025. 

The Red Sea, via the Suez Canal, typically handles 30% of global container trade, linking not only Asia and Europe but also acting as a vital transit point for goods moving between Asia and North America, the Mediterranean, and even parts of Africa and Latin America. 

With most container ships now rerouting via Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, what began in late 2023 as a regional security issue has become a global supply chain disruptor, sending shockwaves far beyond the Asia-Europe corridor.

The Global Supply Chain Butterfly Effect

Asia–North America East Coast
Goods from China, Southeast Asia, and India bound for the U.S. East Coast often transit the Suez Canal. Rerouting extends voyages by up to 14 days, tightening container availability, raising costs, and pressuring ports on both coasts to manage capacity mismatches.

Africa–Europe and Africa–Asia
African exporters, including agricultural and mineral suppliers, face longer, costlier routes to reach European and Asian markets, challenging businesses from cocoa traders in West Africa to cobalt miners in the DRC.

Middle East–Europe Energy
Beyond containerised cargo, 20% of global LNG trade and 30% of global oil flows pass through the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions here drive up global energy prices, affecting industries and consumers worldwide, from European factories to Latin American fuel markets.

Global Shipping Networks
With more ships tied up on extended routes, the global pool of available vessels is effectively reduced, tightening capacity on other trades, including the transpacific (Asia–U.S. West Coast) and transatlantic (U.S.–Europe), even though they don’t pass through the Red Sea.

Industry Effect

Automotive: Impacting not just Europe, but also in North America, as Tier 1 suppliers depend on globally sourced components.

Retail & Fashion: Global brands with cross-regional supply chains face timing, cost, and margin pressures.

Food & Agriculture: Grain, rice, coffee, and fruit trades are experiencing higher freight costs, threatening price inflation in developing markets.

Electronics: Longer lead times impact consumer electronics and critical components like semiconductors.

What’s clear is that the Red Sea crisis is not just a regional challenge. It’s a global supply chain stress test, that will continue to demand resilience, agility, and innovation for some time.

Metro’s supply chain management expertise and advanced MVT technology help shippers adapt on the fly; rerouting cargo, shifting transport modes, and even switching suppliers with agility and precision. From high-level network redesign to SKU-level control, we empower you to overcome disruption with confidence. EMAIL Managing Director, Andy Smith, to learn more.

India and Pakistan Impose Cargo Bans

India and Pakistan Impose Cargo Bans

May 13, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The fragile balance of South Asia’s supply chain network has been thrown into disarray after India and Pakistan imposed tit-for-tat bans on each other’s cargo.

The diplomatic standoff, triggered by recent violence in Kashmir and subsequent military exchanges, has sent shockwaves through ocean freight and air cargo networks, with the full extent of disruption still unfolding.

The restrictions have led to widespread delays and rerouting of vessels. India’s decision to prohibit ships carrying Pakistani cargo from docking at its ports has forced carriers to divert to transhipment hubs such as Colombo, creating congestion and adding time and cost.

Pakistan’s blanket ban on Indian goods in response has only compounded the uncertainty. Vessels already en route have been left scrambling for alternative discharge options, while planned schedules are being hastily redrawn.

Space shortages are emerging on regional sailings as shipping lines juggle altered rotations. Delays have rippled into feeder services and inland supply chains, resulting in longer transit times and missed delivery windows. Importers with urgent supply chain needs, such as fast fashion and electronics, face particular challenges as they attempt to secure scarce space at short notice.

The congestion has already pushed freight rates higher, with emergency surcharges now being levied on Pakistan-bound cargo by some carriers. We expect other shipping lines to follow suit as the cost of rerouting and delays continues to mount. Rates out of India, which had been steadily rising in the weeks prior to the crisis, are now expected to surge further.

The disruption has also spilled into the air cargo sector. Major airlines have started diverting flights to avoid Pakistan’s airspace, leading to longer flight times, higher fuel costs, and mounting pressure on capacity across Asia-Europe and Asia-US routes.

While two-way trade between India and Pakistan is relatively small, the standoff has had far wider implications. Third-country shipments caught between the two jurisdictions have been caught up in the diplomatic crossfire, with containers stranded or forced to take circuitous routes at significant extra cost.

With no immediate diplomatic solution in sight, supply chain stakeholders are preparing for ongoing uncertainty. Carriers are assessing whether to restructure service loops or add additional calls to alternative ports such as Jebel Ali to minimise customer disruption. However, the fallout comes on top of existing challenges, including ongoing Red Sea-related delays and persistent global port congestion.

The bans underline how geopolitical flashpoints can rapidly cascade into global supply chain instability. For cargo owners and logistics providers, the India-Pakistan crisis is a stark reminder of the need for flexible routing strategies and contingency planning in an era of growing geopolitical risk.

Geopolitical tensions and unexpected port bans can severely disrupt supply chains, as the India-Pakistan cargo restrictions have shown. In these uncertain times, it is critical for cargo owners to ensure that their marine insurance policies are robust and offer continuity of cover under all circumstances. We strongly advise all shippers to review the fine print and clauses of their insurance to avoid costly gaps in protection.

At Metro, we can help you safeguard your supply chain and navigate today’s complex global shipping environment with confidence. EMAIL Andy Smith, Managing Director, to discuss how we can support your business with risk management strategies, secure freight solutions, and expert guidance on marine insurance best practices.

Tariff turmoil threatens US importers as China trade takes a hit

Tariff turmoil threatens US importers as China trade takes a hit

Apr 10, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

After weeks of speculation, US President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, while simultaneously offering a 90-day reprieve to other trading partners.

The baseline tariff of 10% applies to imports from all countries other than China, including the EU. This rate applies in addition to any existing tariffs, with certain exemptions in place for key sectors such as semiconductors, copper, lumber, pharmaceuticals, bullion, energy, and minerals not found domestically.

Meanwhile, the separate 25% tariff on automobiles and auto parts, introduced last month, remains in effect.

Tariffs of 25% also continue to apply to steel and aluminium imports across the board, alongside the existing 25% duty on goods from Mexico and Canada that do not comply with USMCA free trade agreement terms.

US retailers and importers are reacting quickly. Delaying or cancelling orders and turning to existing inventory while they wait for clarity. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the outlook for imports is bleak, with volumes expected to fall sharply in the coming months.

Data from Dun & Bradstreet shows that just 225,900 TEUs of US imports from Asia were booked in the past seven days, down from around 633,000 TEUs the week before. Purchase orders for fall and holiday merchandise are also being postponed by 30 to 60 days.

The NRF’s Global Port Tracker estimates a 20% year-on-year drop in US imports for the second half of 2025. June volumes are forecast to be the lowest since early 2023, with the downturn starting as soon as May. While the 90-day reprieve on non-China tariffs may cushion the blow, the wide disparity in duty rates between China and other Asian nations is already influencing global sourcing decisions.

With tariffs now exceeding 150% on some goods, many Chinese-made products are no longer viable in the US market. By contrast, the impact on goods from countries facing lower tariffs is less severe. A 10% duty typically translates to a retail price increase of around 3%, making these supply chains more resilient in the near term. As a result, sourcing is shifting rapidly towards countries like Vietnam and Taiwan, where the tariff environment is more favourable.

Despite the disruption, shipping lines remain cautiously optimistic. Many believe that once the tariff situation stabilises import volumes could rebound strongly during the peak late summer to autumn season.

Meanwhile, the administration appears to be refining its approach on another controversial measure. The proposed port fees of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-built or operated ships calling at US ports. Speaking before the Senate Finance Committee, USTR Jamieson Greer sought to ease concerns, indicating adjustments are being made to avoid damaging American export competitiveness.

“The president will look very carefully to make sure we have the right amount of time and the right incentives to create shipbuilding here without impacting our commodity exports,” Greer said.

Meanwhile, pressure is building on US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The increased complexity of tariff codes and documentation is creating more manual processing work, and staffing levels have not risen in line with demand. There is growing concern that CBP could be overwhelmed if volumes rise suddenly or new duties are introduced.

For now, the only certainty is continued volatility. Trade flows are being redrawn, sourcing strategies are in flux, and the longer-term consequences of this tariff upheaval are only just beginning to surface.

We will share further updates as new details emerge, particularly around the EU and shifts in UK trade policy.

If you’d like to review any potential impact on your supply chain, assess your exposure, or explore strategic options, we’re here to help. Metro is well-placed to support you, backed by our expanded US footprint and strong focus on North American trade flows.

If we can help, or simply answer your questions, contact us now for prompt and tailored advice.

Shipping routes likely to remain diverted until August

Shipping routes likely to remain diverted until August

Jan 8, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The diversion of container shipping around the Cape of Good Hope is expected to continue well into 2025 as carriers prioritise stability over the potential risks of returning to the Red Sea, despite recent advancements in the Suez Canal’s infrastructure

The reluctance to return to the Red Sea stems from attacks on commercial shipping by Iran-backed Houthi forces, which have created a precarious operating environment. Earlier incidents prompted carriers to divert ships around the Cape of Good Hope, and the industry remains cautious about resuming transits until the risks are fully mitigated.

Efforts by carriers like CMA CGM to reintroduce Suez services under naval protection have met resistance from shippers who fear both financial and operational uncertainties. As a result, even if the Red Sea crisis were resolved, it is likely that diversions around the Cape of Good Hope would persist for several months while confidence is rebuilt.

The logistical complexity of reconfiguring networks, combined with the risk of potential attacks, has led carriers to maintain their Cape of Good Hope detours and with the lines set to phase in new networks over February and March, further adjustments to accommodate Suez transits are unlikely before August at the earliest.

Shippers, too, are hesitant to support a return to the Red Sea. The concern is not just the extended transit times around Africa but the financial risks associated with general average (GA). If a ship were to be attacked and damaged, resulting in environmental cleanup or other liabilities, insurers may not cover GA in such high-risk zones.

Egypt has successfully tested a new 10 km extension of the Suez Canal, which allows for two-way traffic and increases the canal’s daily capacity by an additional 6 to 8 ships. This improvement also reduces the likelihood of severe disruptions, such as the grounding of the “Ever Given” in the single-lane section of the canal.

As conditions stabilise, the Suez will likely regain its position as the preferred route, but for now the added capacity is not required.

With geopolitical risks casting uncertainty over the industry, building resilient supply chains, securing comprehensive cargo insurance, and managing budgets effectively will be essential for shippers navigating the complexities of the 2025 sea freight landscape.

In this volatile market, our marine insurance cover and fixed-rate agreements on key shipping routes help minimise risk and provide budgetary stability.

To discover how Metro’s insurance solutions and fixed-rate options can support your business in 2025, please EMAIL Managing Director Andy Smith.

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