ports

Sub-Saharan shippers seek recovery as Gulf tensions ease

Container volumes on the South Asia and Middle East to Sub-Saharan Africa corridor collapsed following conflict in the Persian Gulf, with shipments falling 15% and 8.5% year-on-year in March and April respectively. A ceasefire agreement reached between the US and Iran offers relief to forwarders who described the trade as severely disrupted by the loss of Persian Gulf access. The 60-day truce includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days following mine-clearing operations and suspends fighting in Iran and Lebanon. Vessel tracking data shows no immediate surge in transits following the announcement, suggesting carriers may adopt a cautious approach. However, maritime observers expect container carriers will gradually resume Persian Gulf calls once safety conditions improve, with carriers potentially deploying extra capacity to clear accumulated backlogs.