Learn how the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is interrupting critical raw materials—from fertilisers to semiconductor gases—and what that means for industry and policy
The recent conflict that shut down traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has exposed vulnerabilities far beyond crude oil. While headlines focus on energy, the real shock reverberates through a network of less visible commodity flows: helium, naphtha, LPG, aluminium and packaged fertilisers all move through the same maritime corridor.
Disruption at this chokepoint can stall components that keep modern manufacturing, medical diagnostics and food systems running.
These bottlenecks illustrate how interconnected modern supply chains are. A halt in the Persian Gulf does not only raise fuel costs; it interrupts container rotations, bulk shipments and specialised gas supplies that underpin sectors from plastics to advanced electronics.
Ports such as the Port of Rotterdam act as distribution hubs for many of these flows, meaning regional interruptions cascade into global price volatility and logistical strain.
Which flows are most at risk
The Strait of Hormuz functions as a multi-commodity corridor rather than a single-commodity pipeline.
Disruption affects both bulk cargo and containerised freight: about 19 million tonnes—or roughly 4.7%—of Rotterdam’s transshipment is linked with Persian Gulf trade, equivalent to some 120,000 TEU annually and around 1.2% of the port’s container throughput. Beyond that, an estimated 10% of crude and 14% of petroleum products arriving via Rotterdam originate from routes that pass through Hormuz, magnifying the port’s exposure to any prolonged stoppage.
Petrochemicals, plastics and industrial feedstocks
Key petrochemical inputs are particularly vulnerable. The Middle East supplies more than half of Asia’s naphtha imports—a primary feedstock for plastics—while the region accounts for about 20% of global LPG production. Interruptions therefore threaten plastics, synthetic fibres and chemical intermediates. A sudden shortfall in naphtha or LPG tightens margins for manufacturers and can quickly push up prices; some European companies already report double-digit jumps in polymer costs as shortages ripple through the value chain.
Fertilisers, ammonia and agricultural risk
The Persian Gulf is a major source of ammonia and urea because of abundant low-cost gas feedstock and proximity to export markets. In 2026 several Gulf states accounted for nearly a quarter of global ammonia trade and roughly a third of seaborne urea exports. Countries such as India, Brazil and Australia rely heavily on these shipments—India imported more than half of its fertiliser supply from the region in recent years—so a blockade creates both physical shortages and global price effects that can alter planting decisions and food costs worldwide.
Critical specialised materials: helium and aluminium
Two strategic materials illustrate the non-energy consequences of the crisis. Helium, essential for semiconductor manufacturing and MRI scanners, is strongly linked to LNG liquefaction facilities. Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex is a major helium source; attacks there in March 2026 disrupted output and squeezed supplies. Qatar produced roughly a third of global helium in 2026, and some chipmakers have only months of stock on hand—highlighting how a gas shortage can interrupt high-tech production and medical diagnostics.
Aluminium supply is another concern. Gulf Cooperation Council producers account for millions of tonnes of primary aluminium—material widely used in automotive, packaging and construction. Europe imports about one-fifth of its primary aluminium from the Middle East; a long closure of Hormuz would force buyers to tap regional stocks, pay higher premiums on the market, and face potential shortages that slow manufacturing lines reliant on lightweight metals.
Economic fallout and pathways to resilience
Macro effects are already visible. Countries with deep exposure to Hormuz routes have experienced market turmoil: stock indices tumbled, currencies weakened, and growth forecasts were revised down while inflation outlooks rose. For example, one economy routed most of its crude through Hormuz and had only weeks of strategic reserves remaining, prompting emergency fiscal and energy measures. Governments are responding with coordinated releases, import deals, price caps and accelerated domestic production where feasible.
Options for industry and policy
Recovery will hinge on short-term rerouting, stock releases and targeted industry interventions, as well as longer-term strategies: diversifying suppliers, increasing regional storage, and accelerating circular-economy measures that reduce dependence on virgin feedstocks. Ports and logistics hubs may reallocate existing inventories, but durable resilience requires investment in alternative routes, redundant capacity and international cooperation to manage specialised materials like helium and aluminium that cannot be rapidly substituted.
In sum, while oil dominates the headlines, the less visible cargoes moving through the Strait of Hormuz carry outsized strategic importance. Restoring steady flows will demand coordinated action across governments, industry and ports to prevent temporary disruption from becoming long-lasting harm to manufacturing, healthcare and food systems.
