Ports, shipping, aviation cargo, warehousing and trade
Shipping tracking data shows three Iran-linked tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz during the initial day of a US blockade targeting vessels calling at Iranian ports. Because the vessels were not sailing to Iranian docks, they were not covered by the maritime blockade. Among the transiting ships was a Chinese-owned tanker carrying methanol loaded at the UAE's Hamriyah port.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the regional conflict and maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz during talks in Beijing. Meanwhile, fresh shipping incidents were reported near the waterway, including a boarding off the UAE port of Fujairah and an attack off Oman. A White House official stated that both leaders agreed the strategic strait should remain open to international shipping.
Senior executives from prominent Chinese enterprises have described Dubai as a strategic hub for regional and global expansion ahead of the upcoming Dubai Business Forum – China. The event, hosted by Dubai Chambers in Shenzhen on 14 October, will focus on advancing bilateral trade, investment, and technology partnerships. Executives from firms including Huawei Cloud and Tencent Cloud emphasised Dubai's value in scaling artificial intelligence and digital innovations internationally.
Asian crude oil imports are scheduled to reach 23.96 million barrels per day in September 2026, supported by shipments from Arabian Gulf producers. China increased its imports to 8.93 million barrels per day in August, though total Asian volumes remain 13 percent below pre-tension baselines.
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