Gulf reshapes trade with 10,000 trucks
Reports indicate that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key point for the flow of oil, gas, and goods between the Gulf and global markets, has led to a reshuffling of trade maps in the region. The volume of goods passing through Oman increased by 69% in 2026, while shipping costs surged significantly—shipping a container from China to the UAE, for example, skyrocketed to ten times its previous cost, alongside rising insurance expenses. Shipping companies have also turned to alternatives such as land bridges, Red Sea ports, and pipelines, despite these options being more complex and less efficient. This has increased costs and transit times, prompting Gulf countries to reassess their trade infrastructure, with trade activity thriving in Oman and internal expansions underway in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, some companies were forced to unload their cargo at unplanned ports due to the risks associated with the Strait.
Notice: This Is an AI-Generated Summary
Comments (0)