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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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Trade Tensions Surge as China Hits Back with 84% Tariffs on U.S. Goods

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing trade war, China has announced an 84% tariff on U.S. goods, effective April 10. This move comes in response to the U.S. imposing a sweeping 104% tariff on Chinese exports. The tit-for-tat measures have sent shockwaves through global markets, with analysts warning of potential economic fallout for both nations.

China's Ministry of Finance criticized the U.S. tariffs as a "mistake on top of a mistake," vowing to defend its economic interests. Meanwhile, U.S. officials expressed regret over China's retaliatory actions but maintained that the tariffs were necessary to address trade imbalances.

The escalating tariffs are expected to disrupt global trade flows, with industries on both sides bracing for impact. Economists predict that the prolonged trade war could dampen economic growth and strain international relations further.

The world watches as the two largest economies continue their high-stakes standoff, with no resolution in sight.

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