Supply Chain Expert Explains How Iran Conflict Ripples Through Global Manufacturing

Energy markets, shipping routes and critical materials face new pressures as manufacturers assess risks and resilience strategies

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:33am

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Lisa Anderson, a leading expert in manufacturing strategy and supply chain transformation, is highlighting vulnerabilities in global supply chains as the recent conflict involving Iran creates ripple effects across global trade, energy markets and critical manufacturing components. Anderson explains how disruptions in strategic regions can quickly spread through interconnected systems, affecting energy flows, transportation routes, materials and communications networks worldwide.

Why it matters

The Middle East remains a global energy hub, so volatility in the region can shift energy prices and availability, affecting production costs, logistics and packaging materials across industries. As geopolitical conflicts intensify, demand for defense technologies, advanced electronics and related manufacturing capacity is increasing, which could tighten the supply of key components and materials. Longer-term impacts could include increased demand for construction materials, infrastructure and industrial equipment as rebuilding efforts begin in affected regions.

The details

Anderson notes that roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical supply chain chokepoint. Any slowdown in the Strait immediately affects global energy markets and transportation costs, since energy powers both manufacturing and logistics. Disruptions can also cascade across international supply chains, as countries like China account for 30 percent of global manufacturing output. Recent disruptions to data centers and communications networks have also highlighted vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure that modern supply chains rely on.

  • The recent conflict involving Iran has created the current supply chain ripple effects.

The players

Lisa Anderson

A leading expert in manufacturing strategy and supply chain transformation, and president of LMA Consulting Group, Inc.

Strait of Hormuz

One of the world's most critical supply chain chokepoints, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass.

China

Accounts for roughly 30 percent of global manufacturing output, so disruptions in the region can cascade across international supply chains.

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What they’re saying

“Conflicts in strategic regions create ripple effects far beyond the immediate area. Energy flows, transportation routes, materials and communications networks are interconnected. When disruption occurs in one part of the system, supply chains around the world feel the impact.”

— Lisa Anderson, President, LMA Consulting Group

“Resilience is no longer optional. The companies that succeed will be those that combine strong planning processes like SIOP with advanced technologies and collaborative supply chain partnerships.”

— Lisa Anderson, President, LMA Consulting Group

What’s next

Manufacturers are already implementing practical steps to strengthen supply chain resilience, including developing executable backup plans, diversifying sources of supply, building resilient logistics networks, strengthening predictive planning through SIOP, and leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

The takeaway

The recent conflict involving Iran has highlighted the interconnected nature of global supply chains, where disruptions in one region can quickly ripple through energy markets, transportation routes, critical materials, and digital infrastructure worldwide. Manufacturers must prioritize supply chain resilience to prepare for and mitigate the impact of future geopolitical disruptions.