The ongoing Houthi conflict in the Red Sea is posing a significant threat to Italian fruit and vegetable exports to Asia, valued at approximately 800 million. The conflict has forced ships to avoid Yemeni militia attacks by taking a longer route around Africa, leading to a fourfold increase in transport costs on the Mediterranean-China route and extending travel times to India by over 12 days. Additionally, the blockade is disrupting imports of fertilizers from Asia, which make up 15% of Italy's total arrivals, thereby increasing the production costs for agricultural companies.