Geopolitics

Container ship delays increased in Q2 due to service changes caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure.

Tanker crossings in the Strait of Hormuz have dropped significantly, with vessels opting for the Iranian route.

High bunker prices and the Strait of Hormuz crisis are accelerating shipping decarbonization efforts to cut costs and boost efficiency

Lebanon is increasing state oversight of its seaports, airport, and border crossings to curb Hezbollah's influence

Persistent oil price volatility, fueled by shipping disruptions and geopolitical friction, threatens to entrench core inflation.

A joint exercise between the U.S. and Norwegian Coast Guards in the North Atlantic concluded, boosting maritime interoperability

China's commerce ministry has formally opposed recent US tariffs on Chinese goods, implemented based on accusations of forced labor

China's industrial profits grew 18.7% in H1 2026, supported by strong exports amid sluggish domestic demand.

Donald Trump shared AI-generated images on Truth Social showing US forces seizing and destroying Iranian oil tankers.

The US is urging Mexico to adopt similar steel tariffs on Chinese imports to protect North American trade.

China suggests the US has agreed to cap replacement tariffs at 20%, allowing for a potential 7.5% increase.

Kuehne+Nagel CEO Stefan Paul asserts the Gulf landbridge cannot substitute Hormuz shipping due to port congestion and renewed attacks

Saudi Arabia's oil exports are increasingly dependent on the Suez Canal due to rising Red Sea risks.

Copper futures stabilized above $6.3 per pound following reduced Middle East tensions and diplomatic efforts.

China's reduced crude imports have helped stabilize global oil prices, but shrinking inventories could still lead to price spikes.

China's domestic oil and gas output hit record highs in 2025, strengthening national energy security.

The US dollar shows increased strength before the FOMC decision, as EUR/USD drops due to Middle East tensions.

Iran will reportedly halt attacks if the US continues its pause on air strikes after a two-week bombing campaign

China's economic growth is forecast to decelerate in the latter half of the year as Beijing avoids widespread stimulus

Iran's Foreign Minister stated that an alleged Ukrainian attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea "cannot go unanswered"

The US is reinforcing sanctions on Iran, disabling vessels as Iranian tankers, with 45 million barrels of crude, await transfers off…

Shipping traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait fell after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations.

Airspace and trade restrictions between India and Pakistan are causing widespread supply chain disruption for cargo moving through South…

Houthi forces announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi, Israeli, and US-linked vessels, with Saudi crude exports continuing.

Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb threaten global shipping routes and freight operations

Kazakh oil output reduced after Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal loading suspended due to suspected drone attacks on tankers

Ukrainian long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries are causing significant and lasting disruptions to local economies.

The Iran conflict has reportedly broadened to include the Red Sea and Caspian Sea, despite a pause in US airstrikes

The U.S. military engaged a merchant vessel attempting to breach its blockade of Iranian ports amid ongoing regional tensions

The U.S. government has expanded its cartel crackdown to include a tequila maker and a baby shoe company in Mexico