Geopolitics

Geopolitical events and trade measures are escalating transport, energy, and procurement costs for Dutch businesses.

Greece may veto proposed European Union sanctions on Russian LNG imports, signaling internal EU divisions.

Three commercial vessels were reportedly attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and off the UAE coast within 48 hours.

The U.S. government will impose new 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, effective in 30 days.

Ongoing Middle East tensions are expected to boost coal cargo demand in dry bulk shipping due to LNG flow disruptions

Russia is now the primary flag state for the shadow fleet, re-registering 69 sanctioned tankers since November 2025.

A renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz could send Brent crude to $150 a barrel, reviving inflation and forcing central banks to raise…

Iran's IRGC Navy claims all maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has stopped due to US actions.

China's central bank held key lending rates steady for the 14th consecutive month due to Middle East conflict fallout.

Ukraine's economy ministry reported a 0.8% year-on-year GDP increase in May, building on April's 0.9% growth.

British Steel is now under public ownership after years of uncertainty, with the UK government controlling its Scunthorpe plant.

Wheat futures hit two-year highs as military attacks in the Black Sea region threaten grain shipments

Oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman have slowed due to recent Iranian attacks on vessels, increasing security concerns

Trucking fleets are experiencing severe financial strain as diesel fuel prices surged over 40% in early 2026.

The EU will not impose penalties for methane emission non-compliance on energy imports until 2030, despite rules starting in 2027

Supply chain disruptions are increasingly unpredictable, highlighting the critical need for enhanced logistics resilience.

France is reconfiguring its naval forces in the Arabian Sea, including the recall of an aircraft carrier.

Saudi Arabia's growing dependence on Yanbu exports exposes crude shipments to Houthi attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

An increase in Chinese truck companies operating in Mexico is complicating ongoing US-Mexico tariff negotiations.

An oil tanker halted in the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian naval actions, raising concerns about escalating Middle East hostilities

Vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen by 90% compared to pre-conflict levels, Clarksons Research indicates

European shares rebounded from early losses, stabilizing as diplomatic progress in the Middle East eased global energy market concerns.

Spain's natural gas prices have surged, creating a premium over Dutch benchmarks due to a heatwave and tight global LNG supply

New pipelines near the Strait of Hormuz may not fully mitigate the threat Iran poses to Middle East crude exports, analysts warn

Soybean futures hit a nine-week high due to increased Chinese demand for US supplies and rising crude oil prices.

Canadian Western Red Spring wheat prices hit a two-year high, fueled by Minneapolis Spring wheat futures amid Black Sea tensions

Energy markets face potential stress if US-Iran tensions continue, threatening the Strait of Hormuz and global supply chains

The EU's energy task force is confident in winter natural gas supply, with storage targets achievable for 2026-2027.

Sanctioned heavy-lift ships delivered Arctic LNG 2 modules to Russia, indicating a potential restart of the project's third train.

The clean tanker market is expected to see freight rate increases due to an emerging supply shock, despite geopolitical focus elsewhere