Strait of Hormuz crisis makes Suez Canal safe alternative for Gulf states and Europe (opens original article in a new tab)

The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led Gulf states and Europe to rely more on the Suez Canal, which reported increased traffic in Q1 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

• The Strait of Hormuz closure has increased reliance on the Suez Canal as an alternative route for trade.
• Suez Canal traffic increased in Q1 2026 with 143 million tons of cargo transiting compared to 115.6 million tons in Q1 2025.
• Specific cargo volumes show increased movement through the Suez Canal in multiple categories including oil tankers, LNG, and dry bulk.