India’s Handicraft, Mango Exports Hit Badly By Middle East War

NEW DELHI- The ongoing war in the Middle East has begun to impact India’s exports, with sectors such as handicrafts and mango shipments witnessing significant disruptions, officials said.

According to exporters, a substantial portion of India’s trade — nearly 50-60 per cent in some sectors — is linked to Middle Eastern markets, where demand typically peaks during the Ramzan period.

They added that large volumes of export consignments are currently stranded in India due to the disruptions, while payments for shipments already dispatched are also being delayed.

Officials noted that exporters are facing pressure as their pre-shipment and post-shipment banking limits are nearly exhausted. In view of the situation, exporters have sought at least a six-month extension in credit facilities from the government to ease liquidity stress.

The handicrafts sector has been among the worst affected, with market closures and restricted movement in the Middle East bringing sales to a near standstill. “Handicraft exports have been impacted almost entirely, affecting the livelihoods of a large number of people associated with the sector,” officials said.

The crisis has also hit mango exports, with shipments now largely dependent on-air cargo due to disruptions in sea routes.

Air freight costs have nearly doubled from around Rs 300 per kg to Rs 600–650 per kg, significantly increasing the burden on exporters. “Limited airline operations have affected connectivity, restricting exports to select destinations such as London, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Goa,” they said. (IANS)