The Iranian decision to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz undermines the vital principle of freedom of the seas for global trade.

“And the Iranians charging tolls to pass through the Strait of Hormuz undermines that and it is certainly going to be paid attention to by other countries who also border straits or border important waterways that they could block or they could charge tolls for and that's going to cause international”

Extended disruptions in the Middle East and shipping routes could trigger a domino effect that increases global freight costs and shrinks shipping capacity.

“If you want to book your freight, the baseline, the start, the starting cost is going to be that much higher because of risk, because of increased sailing distances that you have to go. And once you start using up your assets for longer periods of time, supply and demand, now capacity starts to shri”

Shipping companies are increasingly diverting vessels away from the Strait of Hormuz to safer, albeit longer and more expensive, routes to protect their goods.

“But other commodities, dry in large part, we can avoid it. So to Anton's comments, the aluminum sector has in large part shifted, deviated from that area for now. But in addition, ships are navigating away and it means a longer transit time, which means a more costly voyage, so it's less desirable.”

A military conflict with Iran would likely lead to a rapid escalation involving attacks on regional energy infrastructure, potentially closing the Straits of Hormuz.

“impact oil markets by shooting at oil uh and energy infrastructure in the region potentially closing the straits of Hormuz. And once that happens, it's absolutely impossible to keep this short.”

Howard Lutnick contends that strategic tariffs are necessary to protect American workers and encourage the reshoring of vital manufacturing industries.

“If I take my production and move it to Mexico, it's better for me, Mr. Corporation. Okay. But it's not better for me, Mr. US citizen of the United States of America who's working at a car plant. That's bad news for him.”

Developing nations must build domestic manufacturing capabilities to support their growth, export potential, and currency stability.

“No country has become rich, powerful and stable without making things. Why sir? That's the reality. You have to make things.”

The most durable way for trade between Africa and the diaspora is to exchange products that are produced locally, making the process self-financing.

“they can also produce products which they sell here. That would be the most durable way because because once it is business it is it is self self financing it's fin you finance from the earnings you don't need a donation you don't need anything it is self locomotive”