Asia's $7bn bond exodus exposes Iran war's real cost

Energy prices spiking 70% across Asia matter less than the $7.57 billion fleeing regional bonds in March alone. The IMF revised growth projections downward by 0.6% from 2025 levels, with cumulative losses through 2027 projected at 2%. Thailand introduced a war room response structure while Cambodia rationed energy. The real damage sits in supply chains: one-third of global fertilizer and 45% of semiconductor sulfur typically flow through Hormuz, creating shortages that make energy spikes look manageable. India faces $40 billion in remittance losses as Gulf jobs vanish.