Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have once again raised concerns over the vulnerability of global trade routes. As a key maritime chokepoint, its closure would have far-reaching effects; not just on oil flows, but on containerized goods critical to supply chains across the Middle East and beyond. This report uses both historical booking trends and forward-looking shipment data to uncover the potential scale of disruption. Backed by Vizion's TradeView platform and Dun & Bradstreet Shipping Insights, the analysis highlights which ports are most exposed, what goods are currently en route, and where trade flows are most at risk.

Gulf Trade at Risk: Imports and Exports Through the Strait of Hormuz

A closure of the Strait of Hormuz would significantly disrupt trade flowing in and out of key Gulf ports. From containerized imports to strategic exports, the region plays a vital role in global supply chains. Between June 23, 2024 and June 23, 2025, Vizion tracked high-value container bookings moving through the following Gulf ports: Sohar, Khor Fakkan, Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Qasr, Shuwaikh, Shuaiba, Al Jubail, Hidd, Hamad, and Mesaieed.

Top Importing Countries into Gulf Ports

This chart highlights the top countries importing goods by estimated value into key ports surrounding the Strait of Hormuz over the past year.

The numbers do more than show volume. They tell a story of strategic dependence.

China leads all exporters into Gulf ports, with over $5.2 billion in goods moved over the past year. Brazil and the U.S. follow, driven by agricultural products, vehicles, and industrial equipment. European countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands also rank high, reflecting the Gulf’s importance as both an import destination and a regional re-export hub.

Any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would not impact a single lane. It would ripple across interconnected global supply chains. This data helps quantify that exposure and raise the right questions. Which origin ports are most vulnerable, what products are most at risk, and how might disruptions reshape current trade flows?

Where Gulf Imports Begin: Top Origin Ports

The table below highlights the top 10 origin ports by value of goods booked for import during the 12-month period from June 23, 2024 to June 23, 2025:

Total estimated import value from these ports: Over $11.3 billion.

Top Destination Countries from Gulf Ports

This chart shows the top countries receiving containerized exports by estimated value from key ports surrounding the Strait of Hormuz over the past year.

India leads all destinations, with more than $1.6 billion in goods shipped from Gulf ports between June 2024 and June 2025. Turkey ranks second, reflecting strong trade across industrial and construction sectors. China, Belgium, and the United States also receive significant volumes, showing how Gulf exports move through both regional and global corridors.

The mix of destinations spans Asia, Europe, and Africa. Countries like Pakistan, Singapore, Kenya, and Algeria highlight the Gulf’s role as a critical launch point for goods moving between continents. These patterns reveal how far-reaching the effects of a disruption in this region could be, and which trade lanes are most exposed.

Where Gulf Exports Go: Top Destination Ports

Gulf ports are not only import gateways — they also serve as regional redistribution centers, exporting containerized goods to major hubs across Asia, Europe, and East Africa. The table below highlights the top 10 export destination ports by value from June 23, 2024 to June 23, 2025:

Total estimated export value to these destinations: Over $4.1 billion.

What’s on the Water: Top Inbound Products Headed to Gulf Ports

As tension around the Strait of Hormuz grows, it’s important to understand what types of goods are currently en route to Gulf ports. Between June 23 and July 7, 2025, the region is set to receive a wide range of containerized shipments, many of which are essential for consumer demand, infrastructure development, and food security.

Based on TEU volume, the top inbound product categories include:

1. HS 87 – Vehicles
   Vehicles – Cars, trucks, and other non-rail vehicles
2. HS 23 – Animal Feed
   Animal Feed – Food for animals and food industry by-products
3. HS 02 – Meat Products
   Meat Products – Fresh, chilled, or frozen meat and edible animal parts (including whole and cut frozen poultry)
4. HS 84 – Machinery
   Machinery – Mechanical devices, engines, and their parts (e.g., split-system air conditioning units)
   
5. HS 85 – Electrical Equipment
   Electrical Equipment – Electrical devices and electronic components (e.g., high-voltage circuit breakers)
6. HS 40 – Rubber Products
   Rubber Products – Natural and synthetic rubber items (e.g., tires for cars, buses, and lorries)
7. HS 04 – Dairy and Eggs
   Dairy and Eggs – Milk products, eggs, honey, and similar animal foods (e.g., powdered milk and cream)
8. HS 22 – Beverages
   Beverages – Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (e.g., beer made from malt)

What’s Moving Out: Top Exported Products from Gulf Ports

In addition to serving as major import hubs, Gulf ports are also key export gateways for raw materials and industrial goods destined for markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Between June 23 and July 7, 2025, export depatures are heavily concentrated in plastics, polymers, metals, and packaging materials, reflecting the region’s role in upstream global manufacturing.

Based on TEU volume, the top exported product categories include:

1. HS 39 – Plastics
   Plastics – Synthetic polymers and plastic products, including polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, alpha-olefin copolymers, and plastic sheets, films, and foils in primary forms
2. HS 70 – Glass Products
   Glass Products – Containers made of glass for packaging and transport (e.g., bottles, jars, and flasks)
3. HS 76 – Aluminum Products
   Aluminum Products – Plates, sheets, and strips made of aluminum alloys for industrial use‍
4. HS 47 – Wood Pulp
   Wood Pulp – Waste and scrap of paperboard, including bleached chemical pulp and kraft materials

About TradeView

TradeView is Vizion’s global trade intelligence platform, delivering visibility into 1.5M+ buyers, suppliers, and logistics providers, with shipment data from 190+ countries and rich insights into company behavior, cargo, and movements. The Vizion TradeView platform is powered by Dun & Bradstreet Shipping Insights booking data and the D-U-N-S® Number.

Get Ahead with Early Trade Intelligence

Vizion’s TradeView platform gives you live visibility into:

1. Booking trends by country, product type, HS code, or commodity
2. Changes by country or port
3. Shipment behavior by consignee, shipper, and logistics provider

Want a walkthrough? Schedule time with our team to explore how TradeView helps you anticipate disruption and stay competitive.

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