The U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran has continued for more than two weeks, disrupting key global trade routes and pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for energy and container traffic — has slowed as security risks rise, prompting carriers and manufacturers to adjust operations.
The disruption is beginning to affect B2B ecommerce. Distributors and manufacturers depend on predictable transit times, stable freight costs and accurate inventory availability to fulfill digital orders.
War’s impact on air cargo and shipping networks
Ocean and air freight providers are already making operational changes.
Maersk has suspended select cargo bookings in affected areas, rerouted vessels away from higher-risk lanes and repositioned fuel supplies to maintain service continuity. The carrier is also prioritizing essential shipments, including food and medical goods, as congestion builds at alternative ports.
Air cargo networks are tightening as well. DHL is rerouting shipments through secondary hubs such as Cyprus to avoid restricted airspace across parts of the Persian Gulf. Those changes are extending transit times by several days on some routes and reducing available capacity for time-sensitive freight.
Spot air freight rates on certain Middle East–Europe and Asia lanes have surged sharply, according to logistics providers, while war-risk insurance premiums for ocean carriers are rising.
For B2B ecommerce sellers, the result is less reliable delivery windows, higher expedited shipping costs and greater difficulty maintaining real-time order commitments.
U.S. manufacturers are beginning to assess how the disruption could affect production.
Boeing has asked suppliers to review exposure to Middle East-based operations and logistics routes, signaling concern about potential bottlenecks in globally distributed supply chains. Aerospace and industrial manufacturers often rely on tightly coordinated supplier networks. Delays in a single component can disrupt broader production schedules.
Increasing energy costs pressure markets
Chemical and industrial producers are also facing rising input costs tied to higher energy prices and constrained feedstock supply. Those increases are starting to move through distribution channels, particularly in sectors such as construction, agriculture and manufacturing supplies.
Energy markets are experiencing much of the cost pressure.
Several U.S. oil and gas producers — including Exxon Mobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Occidental Petroleum — have reduced or paused certain operations in the region. That includes evacuating personnel and limiting activity tied to Middle East assets.
The resulting supply constraints have contributed to higher fuel prices, which are feeding directly into freight, parcel and last-mile delivery costs.
For B2B ecommerce sellers, that translates into:
- Rising carrier surcharges tied to fuel and risk premiums.
- Higher costs for expedited and guaranteed delivery services.
- Increased warehouse operating expenses, including utilities and inbound freight.
B2B distributors begin making war-related adjustments
Distributors selling heavy industrial products, building materials and bulk goods are among the most exposed, as transportation represents a significant share of total cost-to-serve.
While most distributors have not issued formal guidance, logistics providers and analysts report that companies are beginning to adjust.
Common steps include building additional safety stock for high-demand items, qualifying alternative suppliers outside the region and repositioning inventory closer to key customer markets. Some sellers are also updating delivery estimates more frequently and using analytics tools to monitor shipment disruptions in real time.
These actions reflect a broader shift in B2B ecommerce toward resilience and flexibility, particularly as buyers expect accurate delivery dates and consistent product availability.
The current disruption is more concentrated than the global supply chain breakdowns seen during the pandemic. The Middle East accounts for a small share of global non-energy trade, limiting direct effects on manufacturing output.
However, the region’s role in global energy supply and major shipping corridors is amplifying indirect impacts on logistics costs and delivery performance. Disruptions to chemicals, fertilizers and specialty materials moving through the region are creating additional pressure in downstream supply chains.
If the conflict continues or expands, analysts expect broader impacts on pricing, sourcing and fulfillment.
For B2B ecommerce sellers, the near-term challenge is maintaining service levels as costs rise and transit times become less predictable. Longer term, the disruption is likely to accelerate investment in diversified sourcing, regional inventory strategies and digital tools that improve supply chain visibility.
The adjustments now underway suggest companies are moving beyond contingency planning and into active reconfiguration of supply chains — with direct implications for how B2B ecommerce operates.
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