Cairo, Egypt – November 2025 — Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues rose by 14.2% year-on-year between July and October 2025, marking a significant rebound for one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes. The increase comes as tensions in the Red Sea subside, following a ceasefire in Gaza that has helped restore stability in the region.
Revenue Recovery Amid Regional Calm
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) reported that 4,405 vessels carrying 185 million metric tons of cargo transited the canal during the four months, compared to 4,332 ships and 167.6 million tons in the same period last year. October alone saw 229 ships pass through the canal — the highest monthly total since the onset of regional instability.
SCA Chairman Osama Rabie attributed the surge to improved security conditions in the Red Sea and renewed confidence among global shipping operators. He emphasized that both traffic volume and cargo tonnage have shown “relative improvement” in recent months.
Impact of Red Sea Tensions on Global Shipping
The Red Sea had been a hotspot of maritime disruption throughout 2023 and 2024, with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launching over 100 attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait. These attacks, carried out in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict, forced many shipping companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Suez Canal altogether.
At the height of the crisis, Egypt was reportedly losing $800 million per month in canal revenue due to reduced traffic.
Shipping Lines Resume Canal Use
Following the Sharm el-Sheikh summit on Gaza’s future, a more positive atmosphere has encouraged major shipping lines to resume operations through the Suez Canal. French carrier CMA CGM resumed crossings with two large container vessels, while MSC, Evergreen, and Cosco are reportedly considering expanding their operations through the canal.
Rabie invited global shipping companies to conduct trial voyages, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to restoring confidence in the canal’s safety and reliability.
Strategic Importance of the Suez Canal
The Suez Canal remains the fastest sea route between Europe and Asia, handling approximately 15% of global maritime trade. It is also a critical source of hard currency for Egypt, which has faced economic pressure due to regional instability and reduced transit traffic.
📚 References
- Business Insider Africa – Egypt sees 14% surge in Suez Canal revenues
- Asharq Al-Awsat – Egypt’s Suez Canal Revenues Rise 14% [english.aawsat.com]
- Maritime Reporter – Egypt’s Suez Canal Revenue Rises 14%
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
