End of Houthi attacks could lead container rates to ‘plunge’ — just not yet

Liner operators will not likely rush to bring ships to the Red Sea, Xeneta analyst says

Yemeni militants stand with their arms, as they gather to mobilise fighters in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on 2 November.
Yemeni militants stand with their arms, as they gather to mobilise fighters in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on 2 November.Photo: Scanpix

An end to Houthi attacks on the Red Sea could lead container rates to fall sharply, Xeneta chief analyst Peter Sand said.

But carriers will need more safety assurances before they will mount a large-scale return.

The analyst’s comments came after reports emerged that the Houthis would halt attacks on shipping as long as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds.

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