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West Asia Conflict Crashes Coimbatore Mango Exports, Prices Plummet

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has severely disrupted international air cargo, crippling mango exports from Coimbatore's Ukkadam market. Export volumes have plummeted from over 60 tonnes daily to below five tonnes, causing a massive price crash across all major varieties. A resulting supply glut in the domestic market has further depressed prices, while the perishable nature of the fruit compounds trader losses. The crisis is exacerbated by a delayed season start and missed peak demand periods like Ramzan.

Key Points: Coimbatore Mango Export Crisis Amid West Asia Tensions

  • Export volumes drop 90%
  • Prices crash by 50% or more
  • Air cargo disruptions to Gulf
  • Domestic market flooded with surplus
  • Perishability worsens losses
2 min read

West Asia conflict hits Coimbatore mango exports, prices crash amid supply gluts

West Asia conflict disrupts air cargo, crashing Coimbatore mango exports and prices. Traders face heavy losses as supply glut hits domestic market.

"Current export volumes have plunged to below five tonnes per day. - Ukkadam Market Traders"

Coimbatore, April 11

The ongoing tensions in West Asia have severely disrupted mango exports from Coimbatore, leaving traders grappling with heavy losses during what is typically called the peak export season.

The impact has been most visible at the Ukkadam mango market, one of the region's primary trading hubs, where export volumes have dropped sharply due to disruptions in international air connectivity. At the start of the season, exporters usually ship more than 60 tonnes of mangoes daily to Gulf countries. However, current export volumes have plunged to below five tonnes per day.

The slowdown has been attributed to prolonged disruptions in cargo flights to key destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, significantly affecting the movement of perishable goods.

The collapse in exports has triggered a steep fall in mango prices across varieties. Alphonso mangoes, which were previously sold at around Rs 300 per kg, are now priced at nearly Rs 150. Banganapalli varieties have seen prices drop from Rs 120-Rs 150 per kg to Rs 50-Rs 70, while Senthuram (Sindhura) mangoes have declined from Rs 150-Rs 170 to Rs 60-Rs 80.

Imam Pasand varieties have also witnessed a sharp fall, from Rs 200-Rs 240 per kg to Rs 100-Rs 130.

Meanwhile, Totapuri mangoes, widely used in processing industries, have fallen drastically to Rs 15-Rs 25 per kg.

With export channels disrupted, a large volume of unsold mangoes has flooded the domestic market, creating a supply glut and further depressing prices. The perishability of mangoes has compounded the problem, as delays in transportation often lead to spoilage and financial losses.

The situation has been worsened by a delayed start to the mango season this year, reducing the window available for profitable sales. Traditionally, the season runs from March to July and sees strong export demand, particularly ahead of Ramzan, when Gulf markets import large quantities.

However, this year, demand has remained subdued due to logistical constraints. There has been some temporary relief in the domestic market, driven by festive demand during Chithirai Kani, Tamil New Year and Vishu, with around 150 tonnes sold in recent days.

Despite this, traders continue to face mounting losses, as local sales remain insufficient to compensate for the sharp decline in export revenue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
On the bright side, at least we get to enjoy Alphonso mangoes at half price this season! 😅 But seriously, it's a terrible situation for the economy. We should all try to buy more local mangoes to support our farmers.
S
Suresh O
This shows how fragile our export-dependent agriculture is. We need to develop stronger domestic processing industries for fruits like Totapuri so that we are not so vulnerable to international disruptions. Aatmanirbhar Bharat should start here.
A
Andrew M
Living in Coimbatore, I've seen the mood at Ukkadam market. It's really grim. These are small business owners whose entire year's income is at stake. The delay in the season starting made things worse. Hope a solution is found soon.
K
Kavya N
While I sympathize with the traders, I have to ask: why was there no contingency plan? The tensions in West Asia have been building. Shouldn't our export boards and associations have worked on sea routes or other markets as a backup? A bit of planning could have mitigated this.
V
Varun X
The article mentions the festive demand provided some relief. It's important to celebrate our festivals, but also to consciously buy local produce during these times. Our spending habits can directly help our people.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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