U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that the U.S. Navy will protect ships in the Middle East "if necessary" to ensure the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after threats from Iran caused traffic to halt, impacting global oil and gas prices.

• Approximately 200 crude oil and product tankers are stranded in the Gulf.
• Donald Trump, U.S. President, is coordinating efforts with the U.S. Development Finance Corporation.
• Experts warn that such assurances may not be enough to ease companies' concerns, citing past instances like Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Kenyan flower exporters are facing significant anxieties due to escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which are disrupting critical Middle East transit hubs for their perishable goods.

• Kenya Flower Council Chief Executive Officer, Clement Tulezi, highlighted the risk of disruptions primarily through airspace closures and reduced cargo capacity.
• Kenya Airways has already suspended flights to Dubai and Sharjah, impacting exporters reliant on these routes, with cancellations and rollovers still being reconciled.
• Exporters are working with airlines, government, and aviation regulators to re-route cargo, secure capacity, and manage potential increases in freight charges, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of flower exports.

Major shipping lines are disrupting commodity supplies to Eastern Africa and grounding vessels due to increased risks and costs associated with the ongoing Israel/US-Iran war, with passage through the Suez Canal suspended.

• Shipping lines like Maersk and CMA CGM are rerouting vessels around Africa, significantly increasing transit times from 18-20 days to up to 45 days for shipments to Europe.
• This disruption will lead to longer waits for Kenyan exports like tea and coffee at the Port of Mombasa and is expected to increase the cost of petroleum products by nearly 20 percent.
• An emergency conflict surcharge of $20-$40 per 20-foot container has been introduced by shipping lines, impacting businesses like avocado exporters facing cold-chain disruptions and higher rejection rates.