What role does the maritime domain play in global trade?

The maritime domain is instrumental in global trade primarily because it facilitates the transportation of goods across vast distances, connecting countries and markets. Approximately 90% of international trade by volume is conducted via sea, leveraging shipping routes that allow for the efficient movement of bulk goods, raw materials, and manufactured products. This mode of transport is not only cost-effective but also crucial for supporting economies that rely on exports and imports. The maritime domain enables countries, regardless of their geographical size or navy capacity, to engage in commerce, thus playing a central role in the interconnected world economy. Without maritime trade, economic activities would be severely limited, and global commerce dynamics would drastically change. This underscores the significance of shipping and the maritime environment in fostering trade relationships worldwide.