According to the British Chambers of Commerce, Houthi strikes in the Red Sea are raising transportation costs and delaying shipments by four weeks. Over a third of BCC-surveyed enterprises stated they were affected. The BCC cautioned that the additional costs could raise UK prices. Exporters, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers were more likely to be affected, leaving some without goods to sell, manufacturing line components, or suffering cash flow issues.
Some companies report container hire price increases of over 300% when rerouting cargo around the Cape of Good Hope, adding three to four weeks to delivery schedules. The BCC wants an export council to promote trade and more government support for exporters.
