Today's Supply Chain Pulse
Strait of Hormuz closure stalls oil price surge despite 100‑day shutdown
The strategic waterway has been shut for 100 days, yet oil prices have not spiked. Prices fell after a U.S.–Iran deal was announced, and analysts warn that any relief to the oil market could take months to materialize.
Also developing:
By the numbers: GIA acquires 30% stake in De Beers' Tracr blockchain platform
Iran Says Hormuz Open To All But ‘Enemy-Linked’ Ships
Iran’s UN maritime representative Ali Mousavi announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels except those linked to “Iran’s enemies.” The statement follows a U.S. warning that Tehran’s power plants could be targeted if the strait is not fully opened within 48 hours. Iran also pledged continued cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation to enhance safety. The remarks underscore heightened tension as the narrow waterway carries roughly one‑fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.
Trump’s 48-Hour Hormuz Ultimatum to Iran Raises Stakes in Gulf War
President Donald Trump issued a 48‑hour ultimatum demanding Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the obliteration of its power plants. Iran responded by threatening to strike U.S. energy, information‑technology and desalination infrastructure across the Gulf. The exchange...
BAE Partners Brazil Firm on Vehicle Components
BAE Systems Hägglunds has launched a pilot partnership with Brazil’s Knightec Group to develop military vehicle components in Resende, Rio de Janeiro. The collaboration will initially produce conceptual designs for gear housings for the BvS10 all‑terrain vehicle, targeting lower costs...
The Oil Shell Game: Peeling Away the Bluster of the Latest Oil Announcements
The Trump Administration announced temporary licenses to allow Iranian and Russian crude to move and offered 86 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Experts argue the licensing is largely symbolic, as sanctions, insurance gaps, and financing constraints keep...
Bessent Defends Iran Strikes Amid Oil Price Surge
Treasury official Scott Bessent defended recent U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, saying the operations target Iranian defenses near the Strait of Hormuz. He argued the attacks are intended to pressure Tehran into reopening the vital shipping corridor. The military...
Facing a ‘Crisis’, EU Millers Seek Safeguard Duties on Rice
The European Union is weighing safeguard duties on rice imports after the Federation of Rice Millers pressed for a review of existing trade agreements. EU rice imports have reached roughly 1.7 million tonnes, a large share arriving under zero‑tariff arrangements. A...
Lloyd’s Register Partners with Echo Marine Group to Deliver Electric Ferry Fleet
Lloyd’s Register has entered a partnership with Echo Marine Group to certify the design and construction of five battery‑electric passenger ferries for Perth’s Swan River, creating Western Australia’s first fully electric ferry fleet. The vessels are part of the METRONET...
Babcock Wins MOD Vehicle Fleet Contract
Babcock has secured a five‑year, £60 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to manage its white fleet of non‑combat vehicles. Named Phoenix 3, the deal continues the work begun under Phoenix 2 and includes options to extend for another five years....
L&T Says No Major Disruption to L&T’s Middle East Business, Order Pipeline Intact
Engineering conglomerate Larsen & Toubro says its Middle East operations remain largely uninterrupted, with about 95 percent of its roughly 100 sites functioning normally despite regional tensions. Only 5 percent of sites near conflict zones have been temporarily halted, and no major projects...
Vietnam PM Visits Russia to Sign Energy Deal Amid Iran War Disruption
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh travelled to Moscow to sign a suite of energy agreements, including oil‑and‑gas cooperation and a nuclear power plant partnership, as Hanoi seeks to bolster fuel reserves. The deal covers trade, investment, exploration, extraction and...
400 Maine Affordable Homes Unable to Break Ground Due to Buy America Rules
Developers in Maine have placed ten fully permitted affordable‑housing projects, representing 400 units, on hold after the federal Buy America rule took effect. The regulation mandates that 95 % of construction materials, including HVAC systems, be sourced from U.S. manufacturers, a...
California's Anti‑refinery Stance Threatens Pacific Military Fuel Security
I’ve been accused of being too soft on @SecWar. Fine. Problem is his performance has been exceptional. But here’s where I’m livid: no serious DoW pressure on Newsom and the California Coastal Commission which are both getting massive support from China. Oil...
GXO and Hasbro Inaugurate Distribution Centre in Georgia
GXO Logistics and Hasbro have opened a 600,000‑square‑foot flagship distribution centre in Midway, Georgia, expanding Hasbro’s omni‑channel capabilities across North America. The hub supports both brick‑and‑mortar retail partners and the Hasbro Pulse direct‑to‑consumer platform, creating up to 70 permanent and...
MODEX 2026 Preview: AI, Robotics & Supply Chain Innovation Take Center Stage
MODEX 2026, scheduled for April 13‑16 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, will host over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 200 free educational sessions focused on AI, robotics, and supply‑chain digital transformation. The agenda features high‑profile keynote speakers such as...
Borderlands Mexico: Court Ruling on Tariffs Sets Off Refund Scramble, Legal Uncertainty
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, overturning a key tool used to target imports linked to fentanyl, migration and other concerns. The decision opens the door to potentially $166 billion in refunds...
Sidra Line to Launch Algerian Express Service
Sidra Line announced the launch of Algerian Express, a new maritime service linking Spain and Algeria. The fortnightly route will operate a multipurpose vessel capable of carrying both containerized and general cargo. Ports of call include Sagunto and Alicante in...
Impending LNG Shortage Highlights Energy Security Risks
The last LNG tankers from the Gulf arrive in the next 10 days. After that, many countries face a sharp drop in supply. Qatar's Ras Laffan — 20% of global LNG — could be offline for 3-5 years. Fossil fuel...
Hormuz and Malacca Move Over 40% of Global Oil
The Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca combined handle more than 40% of all maritime oil trade. Source: Vizualytiks https://www.voronoiapp.com/trade/How-is-Oil-Transported-Globally-7879
Russian Crude Tanker Begins Discharge at New Mangalore Port
Aqua Titan, a Cameron‑flagged tanker carrying 96,099 tonnes of Russian crude loaded at Primorsk, began discharging at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd’s single‑point‑mooring facility in New Mangalore Port on Sunday. The arrival marks the latest in a series of Russian crude...
Military-Economic Gap Delays Hormuz Response, Threatening Trade
These comments by former @CENTCOM commander General Votel highlights a disconnect between the military and economic strategy regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on shipping and the Strait were expected. When it comes to escorts, General Votel acknowledged that it can...
Can the Philippines Grow Its Way to Coffee Self-Sufficiency?
The Philippines imports roughly 60% of its coffee, leaving the market vulnerable to global price swings. Nestlé Philippines, which generates $3.2 billion annually, sources only 20% of its Nescafé beans locally and is spearheading a push for self‑sufficiency. Domestic green‑bean output...
Could Ultra-Precise Harvest Forecast Give China an Advantage in Iran War Fallout?
China’s grain‑output forecasting system, honed over 46 years, now predicts national harvests with sub‑0.2% error, far outpacing the 5‑10% margins typical in the West. The model’s April release gives Beijing a six‑month lead before the autumn harvest, allowing pre‑emptive moves...
Moving Trailers Across Long Distances: A Guide to Interstate Trailer Transport Services
Interstate trailer transport services enable individuals and businesses to move camper, boat, car, and equipment trailers across state lines using specialized trucks and experienced drivers. The process typically involves requesting a quote, booking, collection, tracked transport, and final delivery, taking...
Zambia Railways Secures Financial Advisor to Drive $60 Million Infrastructure Upgrade
Zambia Railways Limited has hired Pangaea Securities as transaction advisor to raise US$60 million from development finance institutions and private investors, supplementing a €50 million European Union grant. The financing underpins Phase 1 of a US$113 million rail‑modernisation programme that will upgrade tracks, signalling...
Middle East War Expands Threat to Global Supply Chains
This, from Bloomberg, illustrates how the Middle East War threatens a widening set of global supply chains. (On Monday, the FT is scheduled to post my column on a separate global risk that has yet to receive sufficient attention: the likely...
Satellite Shows Iran Exporting Oil with US Backing
Iran’s Kharg Island as seen **today** by the @CopernicusEU Sentinel-2 satellite. Iran is loading multiple tankers, exporting oil and making $$$ — now, with the help of the White House. The idea that Trump admin is using Iranian oil barrels...
Iran Missiles Hit Southern Israel, Injuring More than 100
Iran launched two missiles that struck the Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona, injuring more than 100 people, including civilians and a child. The attack damaged residential structures and hit the area believed to house Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal, prompting...
US‑backed Tankers Keep Loading at Kharg Despite Tensions
Threats are flying between the US and Iran, but what matters for oil prices isn't words but deeds. Those deeds are that big oil tankers with capacity of 2 million barrels keep docking at Kharg Island to fill up. This...
Region Supplies Huge Share of Key Global Commodities
22% of the world’s traded urea, 24% of its aluminium, a third of its helium and 45% of its sulphur come from the region
President Hichilema Warns Against Fuel Hoarding Amid Global Energy Crisis
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema warned oil‑marketing firms that hoarding fuel creates artificial shortages, despite the country holding 30‑60 days of reserves. He linked the issue to the broader Middle East conflict that is tightening global energy supplies. The administration announced...
China’s Rare Earth Dominance Fuels Global Mineral War
China's Rare Earth Weapon: Inside the "Mineral War" with Tomasz Nadrowski. Read more and sign up to my newsletter here: https://t.co/uDfSXat1Xl https://t.co/MXFQAofK9T
California's Gas Supply Depends on Asian Petroleum Imports
What if Asia gets worried and stops sending petroleum to California. (Where did you think Californians get their gas since @GavinNewsom started closing oil refineries?)
Trade Slowdown Milder than Expected, but Conflict Threatens Sharper Dip
Global merchandise trade will slow less this year than the WTO predicted, but risks a sharper downturn if prolonged Middle East conflict keeps energy prices elevated https://t.co/nhU9axrKFm via @b_muzz https://t.co/Vo7S63a3JN
Supply Chain Gaps Cripple Energy Despite Abundant Output
"The Waha market’s collapse underscores a pressing issue in global energy: Even when there’s enough raw-material output, many parts of the world lack the critical supply chains necessary to ship product where it’s needed" https://t.co/SUdaWtbJpH https://t.co/I9cYdXcGNR
Middle East Sulfur Reliance Fuels Fertilizer Supply Shock
"Fertilizer Shock Escalates as New Supply Risks Emerge" https://t.co/lgfrgMYRFg "almost half of the world’s supply of sulfur—which is turned into sulfuric acid for the processing of phosphate fertilizer—comes from countries in the Middle East" And US tariffs are making things worse:
Machining Trades Need Immediate Promotion, Says Tim Wong
Discover the urgent need to promote machining trades with 𝐓𝐢𝐦 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐠! Join us as we discuss solutions and the importance of skilled machinists. Stream now: 🔗 https://t.co/YDD8CFWpgh 📽️ https://t.co/wX4sInst3D 🔗https://t.co/DmYp21NDA3 #Manufacturing #MachiningTrade https://t.co/7xgzIeY5Zb
Trucking Spot Rates Surge Amid Tight Capacity
New day, new cycle high. National trucking spot rates up to $2.89/mile. +$.11/mile in the past week. Spiking demand + tightening capacity will keep new entrants from ruining the party. https://t.co/By2VKHcsO8
Oil, Rare Earths, and Microchips: Modern Power Weapons
The New Weapons of Global Power Are Oil, Rare Earths and Microchips This is a classic WSJ story, very well executed concept, good insights. Good read. https://t.co/OLjtrroo6Y
Pentagon Labels Anthropic Risky, yet Negotiations Near Resolution
“March 4 — the day after the Pentagon formally finalized its supply-chain risk designation against Anthropic — Under Secretary Michael emailed Amodei to say the two sides were “very close” on the two issues the government now cites as evidence...
Tanker Rarity Anchors Amid US‑Israeli‑Iran Tensions
The tanker RARITY sits at anchor as lightning flashes in the distance, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, off Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat, Oman, March 21, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas https://t.co/NOCb6qvWgC
Iran Says only Enemy Vessels Barred From Hormuz
Iran to the International Maritime Organization: All ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz except for "enemy" ships
Put Your Organization's Needs First
As a buying customer, your organization's interests and needs should always win. Prioritize what you need most; let that guide your decisions above all else. #Procurement #BusinessDecisions https://t.co/K5Vvn5zLpT
Considering New Polls on the Strait of Hormuz
It feels like I should run a bunch of polls like this again, but about the Strait of Hormuz.
Opening Hormuz Won’t Instantly Resolve Iran‑Trump Tensions
If Iran—facing threats from President Trump—now announces that the Strait of Hormuz is OPEN, would that immediately end the crisis and get ships moving through it again? Why or why not?
Houthis Threaten Dual Strait Disruption, Global Panic Looms
What if the Houthis enter the war, asks @citrinowicz ? A disruption at Bab el-Mandeb, on top of Hormuz, would turn global economic shock into panic #RedSea #Houthis #Hormuz #OilMarkets #SupplyShock #EnergySecurity #Trade #Geopolitics
Trump's Iran Ultimatum Threatens Supply Chain Stability
Trump gives Iran a 48 hour ultimatum and warning. Iran replies. Will things get worse? Supply of supply chains.
Trump Threatens Iranian Power Plants over Hormuz Closure
If Hormuz isn’t open in 48 hours Trump says he’ll start hitting Iranian power plants. https://t.co/HQZe2Sax7l
Trump Threatens Iran Power Plants over Hormuz Closure
President Trump threatened to attack Iran’s power plants if the country didn’t swiftly open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial ship traffic (The remarks mark a shift in tone since Trump on Friday said the US was considering “winding down” military...
Iran War's End Triggers Global Supply Chain Chaos
When the Iran war ends. How the Iran war ends. Will firms around the world be dealing with their own circles of supply chain hell? All the products. Their applications. How and how long to fix? And the cost? https://t.co/ViUVhryJZY
Brokers Discouraged From Asking Questions, Blame Trial Attorneys
Brokers are taught to not ask too many questions. Don’t like that? Blame the trial attorneys