Intro

After weeks of disruption in the Middle East, ships are starting to move again through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global trade and fuel supplies. But it’s still a fragile return, and the risks remain high for companies and crews.

We’ll hear how the conflict is affecting seafarers, with thousands stranded or unable to get to work, and what that says about the wider impact on global shipping.

We’ll also look at the knock-on effects for trade, with millions of kilograms of tea stuck in Kenya as exporters struggle to get goods moving.

And in the US, hiring has picked up more strongly than expected — but we hear from people on the ground who say finding work is still a real challenge.