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The Strait of Hormuz blockade and new U.S. tariffs place heavy pressure on global energy and trade flows. Southeast Asian and East Asian countries face fuel-security risks because they depend on Gulf oil and LNG, while Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan face direct regional security threats. Separately, U.S. tariffs hit Canada hardest with a 50% levy on major exports, while India, Mexico, Brazil, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and the EU face broader trade penalties. Iraq gains importance through alternative pipeline routes, and Pakistan gains leverage as a mediator.
Tuesday, 21 July, 2026