Topic
sanctions
Trade Trump Says US Can ‘Soon’ Reimpose Russian Oil Sanctions After Strait of Hormuz Reopens
US President Donald Trump announced the US will soon reimpose sanctions on Russian oil shipments after crude flows resumed through the Strait of Hormuz following a deal with Iran. The remarks came at the G7 summit in France, where leaders discussed increasing pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war.
Logistics UK sanctions four LNG carriers as first direct strike on Russia's shadow fleet
The UK has become the first country to directly sanction Russia's LNG shadow fleet, adding four elderly LNG carriers to a broader package of 27 tankers. The move targets vessels acquired from a Middle Eastern shipowner and now used in Russian LNG trades, with Windward estimating Russia's LNG shadow fleet at around 23 vessels. Compliance teams are advised to monitor ownership changes and trading patterns as Western jurisdictions align ahead of EU measures in 2027.
Logistics Sanctioned Sovcomflot LNG Carrier Completes Earliest Northern Sea Route Transit in Years
Sovcomflot's sanctioned LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie has completed the earliest eastbound Northern Sea Route transit in many years, entering the route at the end of May. The 174,000 cu m vessel carried LNG from Novatek's sanctioned Arctic projects, breaking ice almost a month earlier than previous transits. The voyage highlights Moscow's efforts to maintain Arctic gas flows to Asian buyers despite sanctions.
Trade Mondelez CEO Defends Staying in Russia Despite Taxes Funding Ukraine War
Mondelez International, owner of Cadbury and Toblerone, defends its decision to remain in Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. CEO Dirk Van de Put says exiting would risk thousands of jobs and allow Kremlin seizure, even as the company's tax payments contribute to the war effort. The firm has generated $1bn-$1.4bn in annual Russian sales since the invasion and faces renewed pressure from UK politicians.
Trade U.S. Military Uses Iranian Smuggling Tactic for Gulf Oil Transfers Amid Strait Closure
The U.S. military has conducted scores of ship-to-ship oil transfers off Fujairah and Sohar since early May, employing a shuttling technique previously used by Iran to evade sanctions. The operation, involving at least 92 ships, aims to maintain Gulf energy exports after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing the biggest global energy supply disruption in history. An Apache helicopter involved in the mission was shot down by Iran on June 9.
Commodities US-Iran Peace Deal Could Push Brent Below $80 per Barrel, Boosting India's Crude Oil Supplies
A potential US-Iran peace deal, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, could push Brent crude below $80 per barrel within two to three weeks, according to Indian refinery executives. The Gulf region supplied 40% of India's crude imports before the conflict, and resumed flows would ease supply constraints and lower freight costs. Additional OPEC+ output and the return of Iranian crude are also expected to pressure prices lower.
Trade How West Asia Conflict Reshapes India's Trade Map: Oman Surges, UAE Slips
India's trade map has been transformed by the West Asia conflict. In April-May 2026, Oman surged from the 30th to the 10th largest import source, while the UAE slipped to fourth place. Singapore overtook China and the Netherlands to become India's third largest export destination. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has made Oman a transit gateway, supported by a new free trade agreement.
Commodities ‘Let the oil flow’: What Trump’s possible peace deal with Iran, Strait of Hormuz opening mean for India
US President Donald Trump announced an imminent peace deal with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, causing crude oil prices to fall from peaks of $120 to below $85 per barrel. For India, which imports nearly 90% of its oil, this could ease pressure on the rupee, current account deficit, and retail fuel prices, though impacts may take time to materialize.
Trade US-Iran Framework Deal Aims to Reopen Strait of Hormuz but Traffic Remains Low
The US and Iran have agreed a framework deal to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, ship-tracking data shows traffic remains low, with only two vessels exiting since Sunday. Experts warn of cautious shipping recovery and lingering insurance and production challenges.
Trade Panama Flag Caught in US-China Crossfire as Shipowners Flee Rising Detentions
The Panama Ship Registry has shrunk by 3.3% so far this year as shipowners abandon the flag due to increased Chinese port state control inspections and geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing. China detained 135 Panama-flagged vessels in April, representing 82% of all detentions, and 85% in early May. Owners are migrating to Liberia and the Marshall Islands, which has widened its tonnage lead over Panama.
Logistics UK Forces Seize Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in English Channel, Prompting Calls to Arm Vessels
British forces conducted their first-ever seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel, arresting an Indian seafarer on suspicion of sanctions offences. The operation has caused other sanctioned tankers to alter course away from the Channel. In response, Russian Senator Dmitry Rogozin suggested equipping shadow fleet tankers with explosives as a deterrent.
Trade Pentagon Adds Alibaba and Baidu to Chinese Military-Linked List, Escalating Tech Tensions
The U.S. Defense Department has added Alibaba, Baidu, and two Chinese memory chipmakers to its list of companies believed to have ties to the Chinese military. The update blocks the Pentagon from contracting with these firms or using their products via third parties, raising risks of lost contracts and further straining US-China tech relations.
Trade UK vows to phase out Russian diesel and jet fuel imports by new year
The UK government has committed to banning imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil by 1 January 2027, as part of its sanctions package following the war with Ukraine. The temporary licence for such imports will be reviewed every two weeks and could be revoked earlier. The move has drawn criticism from the EU and campaigners.
Trade Splash Wrap: Trading Missiles and Maritime Milestones
This week's Splash Wrap covers the escalating Hormuz shipping crisis, with tanker strikes off Oman and a missile warhead extracted by the Indian Navy. Also featured: delivery of the world's first dual-fuel ammonia engine vessel and insights from the Container Port Performance Index.
Trade BIMCO Develops Clause for Russia-Linked Tanker Sale Restrictions
BIMCO is drafting a standard clause for tanker sale agreements in response to EU sanctions targeting Russian involvement. The clause aims to ensure compliance with new obligations on EU sellers.
Trade Maritime Crackdown Expands from Hormuz to Mediterranean
The US and EU have intensified maritime sanctions, expanding enforcement from the Gulf of Oman to the Mediterranean. The US disabled a vessel breaching Iran's blockade, while the EU targets Russia's shadow fleet.
US Lists BYD, Alibaba for Alleged Military Ties
The US Department of Defense has added Chinese firms BYD and Alibaba to a list of companies with alleged ties to the Chinese military. The list, known as Section 1260H, includes over 80 firms and aims to alert American businesses to potential risks.
Trade Putin Denies Russia Profiting from Iran Oil Crisis
Russian President Vladimir Putin refutes claims that Russia is profiting from the Iran oil crisis, emphasizing the need for conflict resolution. He highlights Russia's commitment to long-term stability over short-term energy market gains.
Trade U.S. Imposes Tariffs on 60 Nations for Forced Labor Failures
The United States has announced new tariffs up to 12.5% on 60 countries failing to curb forced labor in export goods. This move aims to protect U.S. businesses from unfair competition.
Trade ATF Price Fund to Stabilize Airline Costs Amid US-Iran Conflict
The Indian government has approved a Rs 10,000 crore Aviation Turbine Fuel Price Stabilization Fund to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on airlines due to the US-Iran conflict. This fund aims to stabilize ATF prices and protect the aviation sector.
Trade US Navy Disables Sanctions-Evading Tanker Near Kharg Island
The US Navy fired a Hellfire missile at the VLCC Lexie, a tanker heading for Iran's Kharg Island, amid ongoing sanctions evasion. This action has intensified tensions in the Persian Gulf, leading to retaliatory strikes by Iran.
Trade US Seizes Iran's Largest Crypto Network Amid Sanctions
The US has imposed sanctions on Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex, accusing it of aiding sanctions evasion. This move intensifies economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing peace talks.
Trade US May End Russian Oil Waivers Amid Global Energy Concerns
The US is considering ending sanction waivers on Russian oil imports, initially granted to stabilize global energy supplies. The decision, pending from the Department of Treasury, could affect countries like India that benefited from these waivers.
Trade US Targets 60 Nations Over Forced Labour, India Included
The US Trade Representative proposes additional tariffs on 60 countries, including India, due to forced labour concerns. The proposal, under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, suggests tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports.
Trade France Intercepts Russian Tanker in Atlantic Sanctions Crackdown
France, with UK support, intercepted the Russian tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, enforcing EU sanctions. The operation underscores Europe's crackdown on Russia's shadow fleet.
Trade EU Considers Freeze on Russia Oil Price Cap Amid Iran Conflict
The European Union is contemplating a temporary freeze on its price cap for Russian oil due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The current cap is set at $44.10 per barrel, with a review scheduled for July.