Strait of Hormuz disruptions: Implications for global trade and development

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    • 10 Mar 2026

    • The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying around a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers.

      Bar graph showing the share of global trade passing through the Strait, based on average flows during the week before the military escalation that began on 28 February.

      The ongoing military escalation in the region has disrupted shipping flows through this narrow passage. The resulting ripple effects go far beyond the region, affecting energy markets, maritime transport and global supply chains.