07 May, 2025
News Categories. NewsPresident Donald Trump announced claims that the Iran-backed Houthi militia has agreed to end attack vessels transiting via the Suez Canal into and out of the Red Sea.
What Exactly Did Donald Trump Claim?
Trump stated the following in the Oval Office, on 6th May 2025:
“The Houthis have announced that they are not, or they announced to us at least, that they don’t want to fight anymore… but, more importantly, we will take their word.”
“They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore and that’s what the purpose of what we were doing… so that’s just news we just found out about that.”
For context, the Red Sea lies on the Southern side of the Suez Canal, the fourth busiest shipping lane in the world. As a result of the ongoing Israel – Palestine conflict, the Houthi Militia, based in Yemen, had been attacking suspected vessels making their way into the Red Sea to provide aid and military equipment to Israel.
Although the Suez Canal has remained open, traffic has reduced exponentially, all due to the reduced risks of sailing through the Red Sea.
What Does This Mean for Transit Times?
Trumps claim suggests more vessels will being sailing via the Canal again, thus decreasing transit times of goods on vessels that use the canal, as they no longer need to go around South Africa to read the Mediterranean, North Africa and Europe. This should decrease transit time of vessels from China to the UK by at least 7 days.
At this moment, we will have to take Trumps word, as the Houthis have not publicly backed the statement.
In conclusion, this statement, if it comes into fruition, will see transit times for your imports reduce exponentially. Especially from the likes of China, India and the rest of Asia, where the UK sees a vast amount of its goods come from.
Contact KG Logistics today for expert guidance on logistics today.