What impact did the Suez Canal have on trade from Egypt to Europe?

The Suez Canal revolutionized trade routes from Egypt to Europe by significantly reducing the travel distance for ships. Before the canal was opened in 1869, vessels had to navigate around the southern tip of Africa, which was a lengthy and often perilous journey. The canal provided a shortcut that allowed ships to move directly between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, facilitating quicker and more efficient transportation of goods.

The claim of a 600% increase in trade underscores the dramatic shift in shipping dynamics that the canal enabled. It opened up new opportunities for trade, not just for goods like grain and cotton from Egypt, but also for a variety of imports from Europe. As a key thoroughfare for maritime commerce, the Suez Canal also attracted a multitude of shipping lines and commercial interests, further bolstering trade volumes.

In summary, the significant reduction in travel time and distance led to a remarkable increase in trade traffic, reflecting the transformative role of the Suez Canal in international commerce.