Drewry Survey: Red Sea Chaos Expected to Ease in 2025, But Trump Tariffs Loom Large

A new industry survey by maritime consultancy Drewry reveals that most container shipping stakeholders expect Suez Canal transits to resume before the end of 2025, while bracing for escalating U.S. tariffs that could reshape global trade patterns.

The survey found that 54% of respondents anticipate full-scale Suez Canal operations to resume by the end of 2025, with 29% projecting a 2026 reopening. Only 2% believe the situation will continue beyond 2030.

Red Sea disruptions due to Houthi attacks on shipping and subsequent rerouting of trade flows around the Cape of Good Hope have pushed freight rates higher and cost Egypt at least $7 billion in lost Suez Canal revenue.

Drewry points out that Suez Canal Authority chairman Osama Rabie had expressed optimism about a potenti…