From the Strait of Hormuz to Panama, the South China Sea to the Black Sea, maritime trade is increasingly shaped by power politics rather than rules-based navigation, reports Al Jazeera.

Indonesia briefly floated the idea of charging tolls for vessels in the Strait of Malacca, echoing Iran's restrictions in Hormuz, before retracting the proposal. Analysts say such moves highlight how shipping has become politicized, expensive, and dangerous, with insurers and importers alarmed at rising risks.

In Hormuz, Iran restricted passage in March after the US and Israel launched their war, while Washington imposed a naval blockade in April. Both sides have seized ships, boarded vessels, and fired on tankers, pushing oil and gas prices to multiyear highs. S&P Global warned that even partial restrictions impose major costs and uncertainty.

Tensions have also spread to the Panama Canal. The US and regional allies accused China of detaining Panama-flagged ships, calling it economic pressure. Beijing denied the claims and accused Washington of hypocrisy, citing America's historic military presence in Panama. The dispute followed Panama's Supreme Court canceling a Hong Kong-linked concession at Balboa and Cristobal ports.

Experts note similar disruptions elsewhere. Russia's restrictions on Ukrainian exports in the Black Sea triggered food supply shocks, while China has been accused of harassing vessels in the South China Sea. Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have forced rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, raising costs.

The International Maritime Bureau reported piracy incidents in 2025 at their highest in five years. Rising insurance premiums, war-risk surcharges, and detentions are reshaping shipping decisions, with operators reconsidering routes, flags, and port calls. Analysts warn that selective enforcement and tolls in straits risk setting precedents that make access contingent on bargaining and power rather than international norms.