No significant impact expected

The re-routing of major shipping lines to avoid attacks in the Red Sea is not expected to have a significant impact on goods imported into Barbados.

This from Immediate Past President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anthony Branker.

In recent weeks, major shipping lines like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have been diverting vessels on the longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa to avoid drone and missile attacks by Houthi rebels.

This has led to fears of increased shipping costs, which would eventually be passed on to the consumer.

However Mr. Branker explains why Barbadians need not be overly concerned.

He says what is of more concern is the situation in the Panama Canal.

As a result of climate change, the canal has been experiencing low water levels, causing congestion as ships attempt to pass through safely.

Mr. Branker says while there’s no need for alarm at this stage, if it continues in the long-run, the country could start to feel the impacts.

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