<h1>Shipping risk allocation: exporters urged to avoid CIF and prefer FOB as geopolitical risks raise freight and insurance exposure.</h1> Advises exporters to avoid new Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) commitments to Iran and Gulf destinations and to conclude sales on Free-On-Board (FOB) terms where feasible so freight, insurance and related risks rest with the buyer. Notes that West Asia instability may sharply increase bunker prices, disrupt vessel availability, raise freight and insurance premiums, and produce price volatility; urges restraint, avoidance of open-ended unhedged positions, and monitoring of consignments in transit or awaiting clearance.