Last updated: 12.01.2024, 12:07 p.m.
By: Adrian Kilb
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In the Red Sea, Houthi rebels are forcing merchant ships to circumvent the waters through attacks. Is there a threat of supply bottlenecks and empty shelves as a result of the situation? Kaufland and Lidl are alarmed.
The attacks by the Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea have consequences for supply chains – and thus also affect the German retail sector. Supermarkets and discounters are looking at the situation with concern. Many deliveries of goods from Asia arrive late in Germany.
The Kiel Institute for Economic Research (IfW) produces alarming figures on the situation in the Red Sea. "The amount of containers transported there collapsed by more than half and is currently almost 70 percent below the volume actually expected," the IfW announced on Thursday.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea: Are supply bottlenecks now looming at Lidl and Kaufland?
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea with alleged Israeli connections. Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route.
Instead of sailing through the Red Sea, the ships now sail around southern Africa and the Cape of Good Hope. As a result, fuel costs skyrocket by around one million dollars – and goods arrive in Europe up to 20 days later.
Rising prices due to longer shipping routes? Expert gives assessment
Do supermarket customers in Germany have to expect rising prices due to the chaotic conditions? Trade policy expert Julian Hinz from the IfW gives an assessment. Accordingly, the economist does not expect any consequences for consumer prices in Europe. The share of freight costs in the value of goods is still negligible.
However, there is a risk that shelves will remain empty. Aldi Nord is concerned that household goods, toys and decoration could become scarce. According to the discounter, it has therefore postponed the advertising campaigns for certain products until stocks are secured.
Lidl and Kaufland are alarmed: This is the situation with regard to the supply of goods
Aldi's direct food competition is also alarmed by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. "There may be delays in delivery for individual products," Lidl told echo24.de. To secure its supply chain, the discounter relies on its shipping company Tailwind Shipping Lines, which mainly transports non-food goods from Asia to Europe. For safety reasons, their ships are currently taking a detour via the Cape of Good Hope.
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Kaufland is also being vigilant against the ship attacks in the Red Sea. "We are monitoring the situation in the region very closely," the supermarket giant said in response to echo24's inquiry. The exact impact on the delivery of goods could not yet be estimated. The supermarket group is in close contact with its supply chain partners and logistics service providers. However, the supply of goods for Kaufland customers is still ensured.