The recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, specifically targeting vessels in the area, are having a 
significant impact on global trade, including the recycling industry. 

**Impact on Global Trade and Shipping Costs**
The attacks have caused major shipping lines like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to suspend their 
operations in the Red Sea, affecting nearly half of the global container shipping market. This has led to 
the rerouting of ships through longer routes like the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant delays 
and costs. The additional transit time and fuel costs could increase shipping rates by up to 100%, a 
burden ultimately passed on to consumers【 read source 1】.

**Recycling Industry Specifics**
The recycling industry, including segments like paper, scrap metal, plastics, and textiles, is facing 
challenges due to these disruptions. With higher shipping costs and longer journey times, exporting 
recycled materials is becoming more expensive, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers and 
lower profits for recycling businesses. Insurance premiums for shipping through the Red Sea have also 
risen 【read source 2】.

**Wider Economic Implications**
The Red Sea crisis, compounded by other issues like the Panama Canal's reduced capacity due to 
climate change, is affecting global shipping rates and capacity. This situation is not only raising the 
cost of trade globally but also affecting stock market returns on shipping stocks. The crisis is impacting 
not only routes through the Red Sea but also global trade, as the shortage of ships affects shipping 
prices worldwide 【read source 3】.

**Consumer Impact**
The crisis is expected to have a delayed but significant impact on consumer prices, as the higher 
shipping costs and logistics complexities eventually translate to higher costs for a wide range of 
goods. This will especially affect the prices for goods with a short shelf life, as they may not withstand 
the longer shipping routes【read source 4】.

Source 1: https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2023/12/19/red-sea-crisis-to-affect-consumers-worldwide-as-shipping-costs-set-to-rise/
Source 2: https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/too-early-to-gauge-impact-of-red-sea-shipping-disruption-on-sector-recyclers-say/
Source 3: https://news.un.org/en/audio/2024/01/1145287
Source 4: https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2023/12/19/red-sea-crisis-to-affect-consumers-worldwide-as-shipping-costs-set-to-rise/