Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) General Manager – Freight Policy & Operations Tom Jensen appeared on ABC TV's 7.30 discussing the growing impact of the Middle East conflict on global supply chains, freight costs and Australian trade.
The national broadcast explored how the escalation of conflict in the Middle East is already affecting energy markets, shipping routes and the cost of transporting goods. With diesel prices rising and shipping disruptions emerging around the Strait of Hormuz, the report highlighted the potential flow-on effects for freight operators, farmers and Australian consumers.
During the interview, Tom Jensen explained how disruption to a key global shipping corridor is already creating uncertainty across international logistics networks.
"Primarily most of our imports we get from there is fuel and fertilisers."
Jensen also warned that supply chain disruptions can quickly cascade across the global freight system.
"When there's an issue like this and the goods can't get there, it's a matter of 'can I redirect the cargo elsewhere, can I get it to the final destination, can I return the goods, or is it a total write-off?'"
He added that congestion and disruption can quickly ripple through global trade routes.
"It's almost like peak-hour traffic where things just backlog and it creates a wave effect that travels around the world."
The segment also featured commentary from Simon O'Hara (Road Freight NSW) on the impact of rising diesel prices on trucking operators, Johnstons Transport on freight cost pressures, and economist Saul Eslake on the potential inflationary effects if energy prices remain elevated.
The report highlights how geopolitical conflict can quickly translate into real-world supply chain disruption — affecting shipping, road freight, agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, and ultimately the cost of everyday goods in Australia.