New Update: Iran Conflict Impacts on the U.S. Healthcare PPE Supply Chain

DAILY INSIGHTS & INTEL

Impacts of the Iran Conflict on Global PPE Supply Chains.
The Iran conflict has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil choke points. The strait handles approximately 20% of global oil consumption, with 84% of its crude oil flows destined for Asian markets.1
A map with the Straight of Hormuz starred.

Strait of Hormuz Status at a Glance

Restricted
Last Updated: July 28th, 2026
  • Vessel Traffic:. Transits fell to 6 on July 27, roughly 8 per day on a seven-day average, or about 4% of the ~178 per day baseline before the conflict, down from 35 on July 81. The June 17 memorandum has collapsed: Iran declared the strait closed July 12 and the U.S. reimposed its naval blockade July 142. The IMO documented eight vessels struck between July 13 and July 20 and estimates roughly 80 mines remain, with a tanker reportedly detonating one on July 263 4. Recognized shipping lanes remain unusable due to mine risk, though Trump said July 27 the U.S. was having "good talks" with Iran and saw a chance of a deal5.
  • Insurance & Shipping Economics: War risk premiums have risen to a current range of 7.5% to 10% of hull value as of July 22, up from 1% to 3% several weeks earlier and 30 to 40 times the 0.25% seen before the conflict. Underwriters are increasingly unwilling to write spot terms at any price3.

Critical Metrics to Watch

Vessel traffic and insurance premiums will be the earliest signals of whether conditions are genuinely improving.
Strait of Hormuz Vessel Traffic1
6
/ 178 avg
3.37% of normal
10
Jul 21
12
Jul 22
12
Jul 23
7
Jul 24
1
Jul 25
7
Jul 26
6
Jul 27
Vessel Insurance Premiums3
Normal Rate
0.25%
Current War Premium
7.5%-10%
Premium Increase
30-40x of normal
  • Daily vessel traffic and war-risk vessel insurance premiums are early indicators of Strait of Hormuz viability.
  • Recovering vessel counts and reductions in insurer coverage costs will signal improving energy flow.
  • Even as transit improves, full supply chain normalization — freight patterns, inventory, and supplier confidence — will likely take months.

The Impact of Crude Oil on Nitrile Glove Costs

The cost of manufacturing a nitrile glove is made up of eight components. Five of those are directly linked to the price of crude oil, representing roughly 76% of total glove costs.

Nitrile Glove Potential Stabilization Timeline

Return to normal stabilization will likely lag easing of energy movement by ~9-12 months, but long-term prices likely to remain elevated pre-conflict norms.

Supply Chain Impact

Decreased Vessel Traffic
Moderate Transit Delays Occurring
Moderate Container Surcharge Increases
Limited NBR Supply & Increased Costs
Rising Cost of Polypropylene Resin

Downstream Product Impact

This disruption is cascading into the global PPE supply chain, driving volatility in petrochemical-based raw materials like polypropylene and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) while increasing costs and delays for finished goods due to higher energy prices and constrained shipping routes.
Category
RM Supply
RM Price
FG Supply
FG Price
Market Supply
Constraint
Market Price
Increase
Gloves
Watch
Increases
Watch
Increases
Possible
Likely
Gowns
Good
Increases
Good
Increases
Unlikely
Possible
Masks
Good
Increases
Good
Increases
Unlikley
Possible
Gloves
  • Limited flow of crude oil impacting NBR availability
  • Manufacturers are sourcing NBR at highly elevated prices
  • FG output slowed in April and May planning. Expected to continue in June.
  • Cost of nitrile gloves have risen April and May production planning. Expected to continue in June.
Gowns
  • Supply of raw materials remains stable
  • Resin prices increasing, translating to an increase in RM price
  • Manufacturer production remains stable
  • Potential for future market price adjustment due to RM cost
Masks
  • Supply of raw materials remains stable
  • Resin prices increasing, translating to an increase in RM price
  • Manufacturer production remains stable
  • Potential for future market price adjustment due to impact on production cost (vary by product)
Stay in the know and learn how we can help.
Receive critical alerts from our experts directly to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Experience the Quality of Our Products Firsthand.
Request samples to see the difference in comfort, protection, and performance.
Request Samples