🌍 Countries Most Affected by a Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Japan
- Imports about 90% of its crude oil from the Middle East, with most shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Also heavily reliant on LNG from countries like Qatar.
- While Japan has strategic reserves, a prolonged closure would cause significant economic and social disruption.
South Korea
- Similar to Japan, it depends on Middle Eastern oil and gas.
- Critical industries such as petrochemicals and manufacturing would face energy supply and cost issues.
🇨🇳 China
- The world’s largest oil importer, with substantial reliance on Middle Eastern oil via Hormuz.
- Despite large reserves, sustained blockage would trigger inflation and slow economic growth.
India
- Geographically close to the Gulf, and thus deeply reliant on the Hormuz route for oil and LNG.
- Rising energy prices would stoke inflation and affect everyday life.
🇶🇦 Qatar
- A leading LNG exporter. Nearly all its exports transit the Strait of Hormuz.
- A blockade would severely damage its economy and government revenues.
Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain
- These countries are almost entirely dependent on Hormuz to export oil.
- Closure would risk crippling their national budgets and economies.
In short, Japan, South Korea, China, and India would be among the hardest-hit importers, while Qatar, Iraq, and Kuwait would suffer massive export disruptions.