Chokepoints explained
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal crosses Egypt to join the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, giving ships the shortest sea route between Europe and Asia.
The canal is run by Egypt's Suez Canal Authority, and transit fees are an important source of foreign currency for Egypt.
Its value depends on the whole route staying open. Disruption at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the Red Sea's southern end pushes traffic away from Suez even when the canal itself is working normally.
Countries around the Suez Canal: this week's threat scores
Frequently asked questions
Is Suez Canal traffic recovering?
Yes. Egypt reported Suez Canal revenue of 4.05 billion US dollars in the first nine months of 2026, up 35% year on year, with September the highest month since January 2024. Revenue remains well below 2023 levels.
What is the Suez Canal?
The Suez Canal crosses Egypt to join the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, giving ships the shortest sea route between Europe and Asia.
Why does the Suez Canal matter for business?
Its value depends on the whole route staying open. Disruption at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the Red Sea's southern end pushes traffic away from Suez even when the canal itself is working normally.
Published by Zed Three. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
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