Reference News Network, March 17 report, according to the website of Germany's Berlin Daily, March 16 report, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi on the 15th discussed with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the head of the Suez Canal Authority, Osama Rabie, the impact of the Middle East war on the Suez Canal.
The report said that Rabie explained how the conflict affected shipping and international supply chains. He stated that the canal authority had raised the security level at all sites and facilities, but the canal continued to provide services around the clock. Sisi instructed to further strengthen the security measures at all operating locations.
The Suez Canal is crucial to Egypt's economy as it is one of Egypt's main sources of foreign exchange and national fiscal revenue. After a significant decline in income due to attacks on Red Sea shipping and regional crises, the canal traffic stabilized only in early 2026. However, the new round of escalation in the Middle East could once again undermine this recovery. Sisi had previously stated in mid-March that the cumulative total income loss due to the Red Sea crisis was approximately 10 billion US dollars. Therefore, any new disruptions to the canal traffic will directly affect Egypt's already strained financial situation.
The report points out that the decisions of major shipping companies highlight the tension in maritime routes. Danish Maersk Shipping announced that it has suspended all voyages through the southern entrance of the Red Sea, the Bab el Mandeb Strait, since early March. The two important liner routes connecting the Middle East with the Mediterranean and the east coast of the United States have now been rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly extending transportation times. In addition, Maersk has suspended all voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. Hapag-Lloyd has also suspended some core Middle Eastern routes. (Translated by Jiao Yu)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7618074712828019252/
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