Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz causes global shortages of essential goods

The worsening situation at Oriente Médio is causing a cascade of disruptions to the global supply of basic commodities. Calbee, Japão’s largest snack manufacturer, announced that it will switch to black and white packaging by the end of this month due to a shortage of ink. The move reflects a larger problem: Estreito’s blocking of Ormuz is cutting off access to critical raw materials that fuel industries around the world.

The disruption began after attacks that effectively blocked the main oil transport route since late February. Japão imports about 40% of its naphtha from Oriente Médio, and these shortages are already affecting car manufacturers, bathroom fixtures and paint companies in addition to the food industry.

Impacto in the food and packaging industry

In March, Yamayoshi Confectionery was forced to temporarily suspend the production of meat-flavored potato chips with wasabi, its main product. The lack of heavy oil for factory equipment made operational continuity impossible at that time. Na Índia, Coca-Cola Diet disappeared from conventional shelves, with the soft drink being sold at prices well above normal in establishments that still have stock.

The shortage of aluminum needed to manufacture cans has worsened the situation in Índia, where some restaurants are facing closures due to a lack of cooking gas. Fábricas ceramics halted production due to the absence of natural gas, demonstrating how the blockage creates cascading effects across multiple sectors:

• Alimentos and beverages (lack of aluminum for cans, oil for equipment, paints for packaging)
• Energia (scarce liquefied natural gas and cooking gas)
• Manufatura (disruption in ceramics and food processing plants)

Ameaça to high-tech sectors

Catar, responsible for approximately a third of the world’s helium supply, halted production in March following attacks on its liquefied natural gas facilities. Helium is essential for the operation of MRI machines and represents a critical component in the manufacture of artificial intelligence chips, smartphones and electric vehicles.

Tungsten presents an additional threat. Esse rare metal, necessary for manufacturing AI chips due to its extreme heat resistance and thermal conductivity, is being consumed on a large scale in the production of armor-piercing projectiles. Os Estados Unidos and Israel utilize significant quantities of this specialized ammunition in Irã operations, and the American stockpile is rapidly depleting. Especialistas in supply chain warn that recovering the availability of these materials could take months even after trade routes reopen.

Enxofre and daily consumer products

The conflict also disrupts the global supply of sulfur, which comes mainly from oil refineries in the Golfo Pérsico. Grande part of the sulfur is used in agriculture, toothpaste production, beverage flavoring and water treatment. The reduction in the supply of this mineral affects production chains ranging from the food industry to pharmaceuticals and personal hygiene.

The situation is made worse because many of these raw materials do not have immediate alternative suppliers. Companies that rely on sulfur from Golfo Pérsico cannot simply switch sources in a matter of weeks. Mesmo small wordings on the offer generate a multiplier effect on final products that reach consumers.

Explosão of oil and gasoline prices

The blocking of Estreito by Ormuz, through which a significant fraction of the oil traded globally passes, caused crude oil prices to immediately skyrocket. Nos Estados Unidos, the steep rise in gasoline prices is already fueling widespread inflation. The national average price of gasoline reached US$4.50 per gallon on the 12th, with several states exceeding US$5. A year earlier, the average was US$3.14 per gallon.

President Donald Trump proposed a temporary suspension of the gasoline tax as a measure to curb the inflation problem. Especialistas warn that even if Estreito reopens, the economic impact will last for months. Supply chains take time to rebuild, and investor confidence requires signs of stability before new trade commitments.

Perspectivas future and geopolitical uncertainties

Declarações President Trump’s recent reports suggest even more worrying possible future scenarios. Ele stated that the current ceasefire is “hanging by a thread”, fueling speculation about a possible resumption of large-scale military operations in Irã. An escalation of the conflict would further worsen supply disruptions and intensify global inflation. Analistas monitor diplomatic and military movements in the region daily, knowing that any significant change reverberates instantly in global financial markets and on store shelves in hundreds of countries.