List of Countries Most Dependent on the Strait of Hormuz; the United States Is Relatively Safe

The Strait of Hormuz has again drawn attention as tensions in the Middle East intensify. This narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is not merely a shipping route but one of the world’s most vital arteries for energy trade.

The importance of the Strait of Hormuz is evident in the large volumes of crude oil and condensate that transit this route. Many Gulf exporters rely heavily on this channel to move their oil to global markets, while importing nations—especially in Asia—are also highly dependent on energy supplies that pass through the strait.

It is therefore instructive to look at which countries are most dependent on this oil distribution corridor, for both exporters and importers.

Exporters Most Dependent on the Strait of Hormuz

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that in Q1-2025, Saudi Arabia had the largest share of crude oil and condensate exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, at 37.2% of the total volume. Iraq accounted for 22.8%, the United Arab Emirates 12.9%, Iran 10.6%, and Kuwait 10.1%. If combined, these five countries contributed 93.6% of all crude oil and condensate flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The magnitude of this share underlines how closely global oil price formation is tied to energy production in the Gulf region.

This also explains why every flare‑up around the Strait of Hormuz immediately raises fears in the market. As military conflict in the Middle East escalates and threats to vessels transiting the area grow, the risk to global energy supplies rises.

Asia Becomes the Most Dependent Side

On the demand side, Asian countries are the most dependent on oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In total, Asia receives 89.2% of all crude oil and condensate flowing through this route.

China is the largest destination, at 37.7% of total volume. It is followed by India at 14.7%, South Korea 12.0%, and Japan 10.9%. Other Asian countries together account for 13.9%.

The extent of this dependence makes Asia the most vulnerable region should disruptions occur in the Strait. The strait is, after all, a lifeblood for energy supplies for many large economies in the region.

United States Relatively Safer

In contrast to Asia, the United States’ dependence on oil from the Strait of Hormuz is comparatively small. Its share is only 2.5% of total crude oil and condensate flowing through the route.

The low share reflects the U.S.’s heavier reliance on substantial domestic production and more diverse import sources than Asian economies.

In other words, if the Strait were disrupted, pressure on the U.S. would likely be more limited than on major Asian importers.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz Could Disrupt Global Markets

These data show that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are not merely a regional concern but could have wide‑ranging effects on global markets. China and India are the two most exposed countries, collectively receiving more than half of the total volume of oil through the strait.

In short, should this route be disrupted or even closed, its impacts could spread far and wide—from surging world oil prices and global inflationary pressures to higher energy costs for major importing nations, especially in Asia.

CNBC Indonesia Research