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UN Warns of 95% Collapse in Strait of Hormuz Shipping
Global trade body urges action to restore navigation and stabilize markets
Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:02am
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The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released a new report confirming that maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly ground to a halt, with a 95% decrease in the number of vessels passing through daily over the past month. The disruption has led to significant inflation and trade instability.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas shipments, with an estimated 20% of the world's oil supply passing through the narrow waterway. The near-complete shutdown of shipping in the region has major implications for energy markets, global supply chains, and the broader world economy.
The details
According to the UNCTAD report, the sharp decline in Strait of Hormuz shipping has been caused by a combination of geopolitical tensions, military activity, and safety concerns in the region. Vessels have largely stopped transiting the strait, leading to severe supply chain disruptions and price spikes for key commodities.
- The UNCTAD report was released on April 2, 2026.
- The 95% decrease in Strait of Hormuz shipping has occurred over the past month.
The players
UNCTAD
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the global body that oversees international trade and economic development.
What’s next
UNCTAD is urging immediate global action to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize international trade and energy markets disrupted by the shipping crisis.
The takeaway
The near-complete shutdown of one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints has severe implications for the global economy, underscoring the fragility of international supply chains and the need for greater resilience in the face of geopolitical instability.
