Persistent Houthi strikes keep Red Sea war‑risk and freight premia high, squeezing Suez‑dependent importers

As of 11 November 2026, Houthi missile, drone and naval activity around the Bab el‑Mandeb and Red Sea continues to push war‑risk and freight premia higher, raising import costs and straining Suez‑dependent economies such as Egypt and Djibouti, while complicating exporters' logistics and rerouting that lengthens voyages.

Sustained Houthi operations near Perim, the Yemeni Red Sea coast and attacks on Saudi‑linked shipping raise insurance and spot freight costs and can lengthen routes as carriers detour around the Cape. For Suez‑dependent importers, higher freight and insurance premiums widen import bills and can squeeze current accounts; exporters face longer voyages, higher shipping costs and disrupted cargo receipts if transits fall further.

Whether attacks expand from Saudi‑linked tonnage to wider commercial traffic or if Perim/Hanish deployments or mines are reported within 30 days.