Iran Conflict Threatens Global Energy, Food, and Tech

0:00Here's more Durham news for March 12th. The Iran conflict has dragged into its second week with no quick end in sight. Iran's new Supreme Leader declared the straight-of-hormouse should stay closed, blocking a key route for oil, gas, and chemicals. Energy prices are climbing again despite the release of nearly one billion barrels from global reserves. Agriculture and defense stocks are also gaining a supply-where he's grown. Meanwhile, Asia faces the biggest hit since it imports over 80% of its oil and liquefied natural gas. Countries like China and Japan have large stockpiles, but Taiwan and South Korea do not. Those nations power the semiconductor world, and any energy shortages could force rationing. The shutdown threatens fertilizers too, with at least one-third of global nitrogen supplies stuck from the region. Their risks food security as spring planting ramps up. For chips, critical materials like helium, bromine, sulfur, and acids cannot get through, and helium prices have already spiked with no easy substitute.

1:04Chip giants like Taiwan's semiconductor, Samsung, and SK Heinex hold some safety stock, but a prolonged closure could overwhelm them. Taiwan's semiconductor alone uses over 10% of Taiwan's energy. Companies are scouting alternatives, but costs are soaring amid the uncertainty. It seemed to shrug it off so far, with the VanX semiconductor exchange traded fund up more than 4.1% this year, while the S&, P500 is down 2.5%. Investors bet on a fast resolution, but longer disruptions could ripple through AI hardware and tech spending. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor. Soley Pilla was a pillow with built-in headphones, lay back, press play, and disappear into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I.