Bab Al-Mandab Disruptions Raise Jordan’s Trade Costs as Aqaba Traffic Grows

Disruptions around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait are increasing the cost of Jordan’s foreign trade and delaying some shipments, even as cargo traffic at the port of Aqaba continues to expand.

The impact is being felt in the expense and timing of moving goods. Some shipments are taking longer to arrive, adding pressure to trade with overseas markets.

Those difficulties have not halted the flow of goods through Aqaba. The port continues to record growth despite the disruption affecting shipping in the region.

Increased cargo handling, container activity and imports are driving that growth, underscoring the contrast between rising trade costs and continued port operations.

For Jordan, the picture is therefore one of more expensive and, in some cases, slower trade rather than an interruption in supplies. Aqaba’s growing activity is continuing alongside those pressures.