The livelihoods of fishermen in Yemen’s port city of Aden have been severely affected by heightened tension in the Red Sea.
Fears of potential attacks by the U.S. and British navies have led to a reluctance among fishermen to venture out to sea, resulting in a significant reduction in their income.
The increased threat perception has caused fishing boats to remain moored ashore, with fishermen expressing concerns about potential naval attacks.
WATCH: Yemen fishermen unable to work
The presence of U.S. and British naval forces has become a major obstacle, preventing fishermen from pursuing their regular activities.
This adverse situation has not only impacted the local fishing industry but has also led to a 56-percent surge in the price of tuna, making it unaffordable for many residents of Aden.
The overall consequence includes negative effects on market dynamics, fishermen’s income, and the livelihoods of local residents.
The Red Sea crisis, instigated by attacks from Iran-backed militants, has had far-reaching implications for the global economy.
The strategic waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, responsible for 10-15% of world trade, including vital oil exports and 30% of global container shipping volumes, has effectively been closed. This disruption has set off a chain of consequences:
- Supply Chain Disruptions: The extended closure of the Red Sea threatens to entangle global supply chains, potentially causing shortages of goods and triggering price increases.
- Price Increases: Disruptions in shipping routes have led to a surge in shipping costs, with potential repercussions for consumer prices as these increased costs are passed down the supply chain.
- Rerouting: The peril to crews, cargo, and vessels has compelled carriers to reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, resulting in significant delays of up to three weeks.
- Increased Capacity: In response to the crisis, global container shipping capacity is anticipated to increase by approximately 25% between 2022 and 2025, aiming to alleviate the impact and control prices.
- Geopolitical Implications: The Red Sea crisis is intricately linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, with attacks on commercial shipping lanes by the Houthis perceived as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians.
The Red Sea crisis has precipitated the most substantial redirection of shipping in decades, amplifying concerns of broader economic repercussions.
Shippers as far away as Asia and North America are grappling with increased costs, with sailors demanding higher pay and insurance rates soaring, further compounding the challenges posed by this unfolding crisis.
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