Houthi forces in Yemen have announced a pause in attacks on Israel and commercial shipping, raising hopes for a resumption of container trade through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.

Analysts warn the risk remains severe despite six weeks without attacks. Jack Kennedy of S&P Global Market Intelligence said the Houthis have used the lull to rebuild infrastructure and rearm. He added the ceasefire could hold while hostage exchanges continue, but renewed military operations in Gaza may trigger a Houthi response.

Containership diversions began in late 2023 after the first Houthi attacks, absorbing 8-12 per cent of global tonnage due to longer transits around southern Africa. A Houthi letter posted online warned attacks would resume if the Gaza ceasefire ended.

Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said the carrier was encouraged by the ceasefire but stressed the need to ensure it is entrenched. CMA CGM remains the only major carrier operating a single continued service via the Red Sea, with French Navy escorts. Its two 18,000-TEU ships that have transited have since returned to Cape loops.

CMA CGM routed nearly 1.5 million TEU through the Suez Canal in the first 10 months of 2025, while SeaLead moved 600,000 TEU, according to Alphaliner. SeaLead terminated charters for 16 vessels after US sanctions in August for alleged links to Iran.

Mr Kennedy said the Houthis are unlikely to abandon threats, as they collect about US$180 million monthly from shipping agencies for safe passage, according to a United Nations report.