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 Trade and Economy of world under Attack - Red Sea Crisis

Global Shipping Lanes in Crisis: Impact on Trade and Economy

The Red Sea Crisis and the Panama Canal Drought

Global shipping lanes are currently facing significant disruptions, causing a ripple effect on trade and the economy. One major crisis is taking place in the Red Sea, where the Houthis have been attacking ships, leading to a decrease in trade volumes through the Suez Canal. As a result, shipping through this vital route has fallen by 40%. Additionally, the Panama Canal is facing a different problem - a drought caused by climate change. This has resulted in traffic jams and reduced shipping through the canal.

Read about The Houthis Commander affecting Indian Trade

Both the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal are crucial for international trade, with the Suez Canal handling 12% of global trade and the Panama Canal handling another 5%. The disruptions in these shipping lanes have far-reaching consequences for everyone, including consumers. The transportation of goods, such as electronics from China to the United States and Europe, clothing and footwear from South Asian countries, spices and coffee from Southeast Asia, and food items like bananas and avocados from Latin America, heavily relies on these shipping routes.

When supplies are disrupted, shortages and higher prices are the inevitable outcomes. This was evident in 2021 when the Suez Canal was closed for six days due to a container vessel getting stuck. Daily trade worth $10 billion came to a halt, leading to supply bottlenecks, higher inflation, and increased prices for various commodities.

The Connection between Disrupted Shipping and Inflation

Disrupted shipping routes result in exporters seeking alternatives, which often involve longer and more expensive routes. This additional cost of export transportation contributes to rising inflation. One report suggests that if shipping costs rise by 20%, inflation increases by 0.15%. The impact of disrupted shipping is not limited to the United States alone; countries like India, which heavily depend on oil imports and other key commodities, are also vulnerable to rising prices and inflation.

Key commodities, such as oil, textiles, chemicals, metals, and pharmaceuticals, are at risk of becoming more expensive if disruptions in shipping continue. For instance, in India, where 65% of oil imports came from the Suez Canal in the last financial year, rising oil prices have a direct impact on the economy. Moreover, the longer these disruptions persist, the higher the risk becomes for countries like India.

The Iran-Pakistan Conflict and its Implications

Another ongoing conflict is between Iran and Pakistan. While there is currently no fresh fighting, tensions remain high. The question arises: why did Iran strike at Pakistan, and what does the regime hope to achieve? The official explanation given by Iran is that the militants they struck are linked to the Islamic State, which had previously attacked Iran, resulting in the death of nearly 100 Iranians. By striking at Pakistan, Iran aims to send a strong message to the world that it is strong and fearless.

However, attacking Pakistan is a risky move due to its nuclear power and sizable military. The logical explanation for this choice is that striking Pakistan guarantees a strong message without the risk of escalation. The timing of the attack may have been influenced by recent events, such as the Islamic State attack earlier this month, as well as ongoing domestic troubles in Iran, economic challenges, and regional concerns.

The Troubles in Manipur and the Border Conflict

Meanwhile, in Manipur, a state in northeastern India, tensions have erupted between two communities: the majority Meiteis and the minority Kukis. This ethnic violence has caused instability and periodic incidents of violence over the past year. Recently, clashes broke out after the arrests of two individuals suspected of involvement in a murder case. This led to protests, followed by violence and a curfew being imposed in the region.

The situation in Manipur highlights the need for dialogue and a peace process to address the underlying issues and resolve the unrest. The presence of a large number of soldiers in the state and the influx of refugees from neighboring Myanmar further complicate the situation. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar poses a potential threat, as ethnic armies have been clashing with the ruling government, creating a spill-over effect in the region.

Sweden's Warning of Impending War

Sweden, a country known for its neutrality and absence from wars for the past two centuries, recently issued a warning about the possibility of war. This warning has left citizens spooked and prompted them to prepare for potential conflict. While the likelihood of war is still debated, Sweden's proximity to Russia and recent geopolitical tensions in the region have raised concerns.

Sweden has taken steps to bolster its defense capabilities and strengthen alliances, including seeking membership in NATO. The warning about potential war serves as a wake-up call for the country to prioritize national security and be prepared for any future challenges.

Mitsuko Toori: Breaking Barriers in Japan Airlines

In a significant milestone, Mitsuko Toori has become the first woman president of Japan Airlines. This appointment is a rarity in Japan, where gender diversity in leadership positions remains a significant challenge. Toori's appointment comes at a time when Japan is facing increasing pressure to address its gender gap and boost gender diversity in the workplace.

Japan Airlines' decision to appoint Toori as president is a step towards breaking barriers and promoting gender equality. Toori aims to serve as a role model for other women in the company and beyond, inspiring them to pursue their goals and aspirations.

Toori's appointment also reflects the changing dynamics in the aviation industry, where women continue to make strides in leadership positions. While progress has been made, the representation of women in senior leadership roles in airlines worldwide is still limited.

The Future of Global Shipping and International Trade

The disruptions in global shipping lanes highlight the interconnected nature of international trade and the importance of maintaining stable and efficient transportation routes. As shipping disruptions contribute to inflation and affect the availability and prices of various commodities, it becomes crucial for countries to address these challenges and find solutions.

Efforts to regulate the coaching industry in India, resolve conflicts between nations, prioritize education, and promote gender diversity in leadership positions are steps towards creating a more inclusive and resilient global economy. By addressing these issues, countries can work towards ensuring smoother trade flows, stable economic growth, and a better future for all.