Red Sea Crisis: Freight Rates Surge Up To 200% & Major Delays Impact Mexico in 2025

The crisis in the Red Sea continues to be one of the biggest disruptors to the global logistics chain during 2024 and 2025. Attacks in the region have forced shipping companies to divert their routes around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, increasing transit times by 12 to 20 days and raising freight costs by up to 200%. Mexican companies, especially those importing from Asia, are facing new challenges in costs, availability, and reliability.

Although the situation appeared to be easing, instability in the area and pressure on shipping companies continue to affect shipments to Latin America. For Mexico, which heavily relies on maritime trade with China, South Korea, and other Asian countries, this crisis directly impacts inventory planning, production flows, and import budgets.

1. Why does the crisis in the Red Sea continue?

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea, remains a critical point due to attacks on commercial vessels. In response, shipping companies have opted for safer, although longer, routes around the southern tip of Africa.

This diversion has several immediate effects:

• Increased total sailing time.

• Higher fuel consumption.

• Saturation of African ports used as alternative points.

• Reduction in the frequency of shipping company departures.

Furthermore, the congestion caused by the extended routes generates accumulated delays in ports in Asia, Europe, and America.

2. Direct Impact for Mexico

Mexico imports a large part of its raw materials, electronic components, auto parts, machinery, and retail merchandise from Asia. These sectors have reported:

Increase in Maritime Freight Rates

Costs have skyrocketed, with increases of 150% to 200% depending on the origin and shipping line. Some routes to Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas have doubled their rates in just weeks.

Container Shortage

As transit times increase, containers take longer to be returned and circulate less in the global network. This generates surcharges and reduced availability in key Chinese ports.

Production Delays

Automotive, electronics, and consumer goods companies have had to adjust schedules due to uncertainty in arrivals.

Increased Pressure for Nearshoring

The crisis reinforces the interest of manufacturers in producing closer to the United States and Mexico to reduce exposure to global risks.

3. Why could the problem extend?

Although several countries have reinforced security in the area, shipping companies continue to evaluate whether the risks justify maintaining traditional routes. Most prefer to continue avoiding the Red Sea until sustained stability exists.

In addition, African ports used as technical stops are already showing saturation and operational limitations, which adds more uncertainty. All indications are that the logistical imbalance will continue to affect throughout much of 2025.

4. How can Mexican importers prepare?

For importers who depend on Asian suppliers, simply reacting is no longer enough: anticipation is now essential.

Plan Inventory with Greater Margin

Instead of managing just-in-time inventories, many companies are adopting preventative inventories to avoid stockouts.

Diversify Entry Ports

Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas remain the main points, but using Ensenada or even routes to US ports can help mitigate delays.

Secure Space in Advance

Reserving space with additional weeks of lead time is becoming essential to avoid overbookings.

Evaluate Multimodal Transport

Combining maritime with rail or even using alternative ports on the US East Coast offers more predictable routes.

Analyze Alternative Suppliers

Nearshoring and friendshoring are gaining strength as strategies to reduce dependence on Asia.

5. The Key Role of a Specialized Logistics Operator

In times of global crisis, companies need operators who can offer real alternatives. Efficient coordination allows for:

• Personalized recommendations based on industry.

• Alternative routes in case of blockages or delays.

• Continuous monitoring of transit times.

• Management of space on saturated shipping lines.

• Complete visibility into the status of each shipment.

An operator with international experience can make the difference between a resilient supply chain and a completely vulnerable one.

What to Keep in Mind?

The crisis in the Red Sea continues to affect global logistics costs, and Mexico is no exception. The diversions through Africa, port congestion, and container shortages will continue to impact flows between Asia and America for at least the next few months. For Mexican companies, the key is to anticipate, diversify routes, and strengthen logistics planning.

Control Terrestre, as a logistics operator with experience in international transport, offers solutions to minimize delays, secure space, and maintain the operational continuity of its clients amidst global volatility.

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