Blaming geopolitical instability in the Red Sea area and the corresponding rise in shipping costs and drop in global sea-trade capacity, Sun Chemical said it had become “unavoidable” that it pass on some costs to customers.

“Sun Chemical is committed to mitigating rising costs whenever possible, however, the rapid escalation in freight cost pressures has made the introduction of some freight surcharges unavoidable,” the company said in a statement today (2 February). 

“Sun Chemical will communicate specific adjustments directly with its customers, underscoring its dedication to transparency and collaboration in navigating the challenges posed by the Red Sea crisis.”

The company affirmed that its primary objective was to maintain the flow of products to customers, and that it was taking necessary steps to secure raw materials and minimise delays.

Global trade has been disrupted since late October, when attacks on Suez-bound shipping by Houthi forces forced many companies to reconsider their shipping routes. 

Many shipping companies have decided to re-route their ships around the Cape of Good Hope rather than attempt the passage, a journey which can add 14 to 21 days to the journey and significant risk of storm damage.

Attacks in the troubled strait have since escalated, with US and UK-led strikes in Yemen sparking further retaliation, including the Iranian capture of an oil tanker in early January.