Australia: Global supply chains are being pushed into a far more dangerous phase. Conflict in the Middle East is no longer causing isolated disruption - it is sending shockwaves through shipping routes, air freight, insurance markets and energy costs, creating delay, volatility and rising pressure across global trade. What looks like a transport problem on the surface can quickly become a much deeper commercial problem, with higher costs, longer lead times and growing uncertainty over whether goods will arrive when and how they should.