Impact of the Iran-US-Israel Conflict on Indian Fruit Trade
The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States is shaking up global trade. Indian farmers and fruit traders are feeling the pressure as disruptions grow.
With Ramadan approaching, fruit demand typically spikes in Gulf countries. This is a prime season for both Iranian apples and Indian fruits. However, the recent escalation of the conflict has stalled shipments. Many consignments are currently stuck at ports, creating a supply issue.
As imports of apples from Iran have come to a standstill, prices in India have surged by Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kilogram. Conversely, Indian fruits bound for the Gulf are marooned at ports, causing domestic prices to drop.
Suyog Zhende, an exporter to the Gulf, shared, “There’s huge demand during Ramadan for Indian fruits, especially bananas and grapes.” He noted that about 250-300 refrigerated containers of bananas and nearly 100 of grapes are stuck at Mumbai port. Additionally, around 500-600 containers already shipped are unable to land due to port closures in the Gulf.
On the import side, 800-900 containers of apples, kiwis, and dates are also stranded, with significant value at stake—each carries around 23-24 tonnes of produce worth up to Rs 32 lakh.
Most of the affected fruits come from Maharashtra, placing local farmers at risk. The excess supply in the domestic market has driven down prices, putting additional strain on their livelihoods.
With shipping operations halted, returning stranded goods seems impossible. Zhende is calling on the Maharashtra government to step in with support for these struggling farmers, as they face a severe financial crisis ignited by this international conflict.
As the situation evolves, the impact on global trade remains uncertain, highlighting how interconnected our markets truly are in times of crisis.
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