Trump Blocks the Strait of Hormuz, Energy-Dependent Asian Economies Face Pressure | WPN World People News

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. Central Command announcing that, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on the 13th (10 p.m. Taiwan time), all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports will be subject to control measures. The move came just hours after direct U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan collapsed, raising market concerns over renewed disruptions to global energy supplies. Bloomberg Economics analysts noted that the latest developments highlight growing downside risks to the global economy, with oil prices likely to rise further and exert dual pressure on economic growth and inflation.

Asian economies are expected to bear the brunt of the impact. Many countries in the region, including Japan and South Korea, rely on the Strait of Hormuz for more than 80% of their energy imports. Governments are now scrambling to secure alternative sources of oil and gas, while also implementing energy-saving measures and relief policies to cushion businesses and households from rising costs. Vessels from China and other nations transiting the region could also become targets of the blockade. Analysts suggest that Beijing may seek to pressure Washington through diplomatic or economic means ahead of Trump’s expected mid-May visit to China.

The impact is unlikely to be limited to energy markets. Experts warn that downstream supply chains—from fertilizers and packaging to textiles—could face prolonged disruptions due to transport restrictions. Bloomberg outlines three scenarios: if tensions persist without full escalation, oil prices will likely remain elevated; if the Strait of Hormuz is shut down for an extended period, prices could surge to as high as $170 per barrel, severely damaging the global economy; only a ceasefire or de-escalation that restores passage through the strait would significantly ease pressures on global growth and inflation.