In January, the cost of ocean freight started to climb significantly. The World Container Index, which measures average prices across several key maritime routes, saw its value more than double within just four weeks. Just before the holiday season, the index indicated an average cost of around $1,660 for transporting a standard 40-foot container, which has now surged to nearly $4,000.
Reduced Maritime Traffic Through the Red Sea
The spike in shipping costs this year is attributed to new factors. Notably, Houthi rebels in Yemen have been targeting vessels navigating through the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal. Their arsenal includes drones and advanced weaponry, with backing from Iran. Although the rebels claim their attacks are aimed at vessels supporting Israel, the reality is that these actions jeopardize the overall safety of maritime traffic in the region.
A critical point of concern is the Báb-al-Mandab strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, a compulsory passage for ships en route to Suez from the south. The proximity of ships to the coast in this narrow passage makes them easy targets for the Yemeni coastal rebels. The strait’s name, translating to „Gate of Wailing,“ has become somewhat symbolic of the current challenges.
Impact on European Automotive Industry
The escalating costs and delays in container shipping are impacting European businesses, affecting both exporters and manufacturers awaiting parts from Asia. The automotive sector is particularly hit hard, with significant players like Tesla’s German factory and Volvo experiencing forced production halts.
European manufacturers are also facing increased pressure from rising input costs, which are exacerbated by the higher transportation expenses. For instance, shipping costs on the popular route from Shanghai to Rotterdam saw a 5% increase last week alone, nearing $5,000 per container.
