Tension in the Middle East shipping industry is gradually spreading, with many banks paying attention to business risks.

Many front-line professionals from the banking, shipping, and logistics industries interviewed indicated that the current Middle East shipping rates are experiencing significant short-term fluctuations, with some routes being obstructed and companies experiencing longer repayment cycles. The impact has extended from the shipping rates to areas such as ship financing, accounts receivable, and cross-border payments, prompting financial institutions to closely monitor the escalating market and situation. The deputy chief of a Shanghai branch of a joint-stock bank stated that they are currently focusing on ship mortgage financing related to Middle East operations, emphasizing asset security on one hand and exercising caution in approving new business or raising risk thresholds on the other.