Topic
america
Logistics Why America May Reflag Gulf Tankers Again: Strait of Hormuz Crisis Escalates
The US may reflag Gulf tankers again, escalating its escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz amid a direct conflict with Iran. According to Splash247, Iran's capabilities have grown since the 1987 Operation Earnest Will, with 17 damaged ships and 12 seafarers killed or missing since February 2026. The US already runs an improvised escort scheme, but formal reflagging would give insurers and shippers legal clarity to bring stranded tonnage back through the strait.
EU–US goods trade hits record €875 billion despite tariffs: Study
Trade in goods between the EU and US hit a record €875 billion last year, but a German Economic Institute study warns that front-loading ahead of tariff increases masked a 20.4% drop in EU auto exports to the US. Germany's automotive sector faced an 18.9% decline, while Ireland's exports surged 52.7% on tariff-exempt pharma products.