U.S. counterblockade in Hormuz raises supply chain risks

Home > Opinion > Editorials

U.S. counterblockade in Hormuz raises supply chain risks

Published: 14 Apr. 2026, 00:00

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

A 3D-printed miniature model depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and a map showing the Strait of Hormuz are seen in this illustration taken on March 26. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

The United States has imposed a blockade on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, escalating tensions in response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The move, described as a counterblockade, aims to pressure Iran by cutting off its oil exports and restricting imports of food and essential goods after cease-fire talks collapsed.

As both sides engage in direct confrontation around the strait, concerns are growing over a prolonged conflict and the resulting uncertainty for Korea’s economy.

Global oil prices have already surged past $100 per barrel as Washington and Tehran harden their positions. High energy prices could become the new norm. Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that Americans would soon “miss” gasoline prices of $4 to $5 per gallon, signaling the possible use of oil as a strategic weapon. U.S. President Donald Trump also said oil prices could rise further into the fall. For Korea, a major energy importer, such a scenario would have immediate consequences.

The risks extend beyond energy costs. Disruptions in the supply of key industrial materials are raising concerns across multiple sectors. Naphtha, often referred to as the “rice of industry” because it serves as a basic feedstock for products such as plastics and vinyl, is essential for manufacturing. Shortages could halt production lines and affect the output of consumer goods.

Supply instability for intermediate materials such as helium, bromine and ammonia also poses a direct threat to Korea’s core industries, including semiconductors. Signs of disruption are already emerging. Samsung Electronics has begun operating helium recycling systems on some production lines, while SK hynix is reviewing similar measures. These steps follow supply constraints linked to halted production in Qatar, which accounted for 64.7 percent of Korea’s helium imports last year, after facilities were affected by Iranian attacks.

The pharmaceutical sector is also experiencing strain. Companies have introduced order limits amid concerns over raw material shortages and depleted packaging supplies, reflecting broader disruptions across supply chains.

The situation in the Hormuz represents an unprecedented challenge. If oil shipments are not restored in a timely manner, the impact will extend beyond fuel shortages to broader manufacturing disruptions. Production across industries could falter in a cascading effect, potentially paralyzing supply chains.

Recent developments suggest that such risks are not confined to energy markets. China’s decision to suspend sulfuric acid exports next month highlights a growing trend of countries restricting access to key industrial materials during periods of uncertainty.

In response, the government must prepare for worst-case scenarios. Emergency supply measures for critical materials should be established, and efforts to diversify supply sources must be accelerated. Strengthening supply chain resilience will be essential to mitigating the economic impact of prolonged disruptions.

The current crisis has placed the government’s ability to manage external shocks under scrutiny. Its response will be critical in determining whether Korea can withstand mounting pressure on its industrial base.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.