Mangaluru: Karnataka’s coastal coffee export hub is facing disruption due to the West Asia crisis, with shipments to Gulf countries delayed and freight costs rising sharply.Exporters in Mangaluru said cargo bound for the Gulf countries, usually routed through Jebel Ali Port, has been put on hold following the crisis. The freight cost for a 20-ton container to Jebel Ali Port has risen from about $578 to $3,800, while shipments via Shuwaikh Port have increased from $850 to $4,500.Ganesh Chakrapani, a major coffee exporter from Mangaluru, said the closure of the UAE port has forced exporters to look at alternatives such as Sohar Port in Oman. Under the revised arrangement, coffee is shipped to Sohar and then transported by road to Gulf countries, and the freight charges shot up sixfold, Chakrapani said.New Mangalore Port Authority accounts for about 90% of India’s coffee exports, while Cochin in Kerala handles around 8% and Mumbai about 2%. Chakrapani said overall, West Asia and neighbouring countries accounted for 30% to 35% of India’s total coffee exports. The region mainly exports Arabica coffee in large volumes to Gulf markets, along with other varieties, including Robusta, instant coffee, and Monsooned Malabar coffee produced in coastal Karnataka. According to the Coffee Board of India data, the UAE remained the largest Gulf importer with 4,661 tonnes, supported by strong demand for instant coffee of more than 2,000 tonnes. Jordan imported 3,501 tonnes, mainly Arabica, while Kuwait imported 1,645 tonnes, also largely Arabica. Saudi Arabia imported 1,328 tonnes, with demand spread across varieties. Libya and Egypt were also significant buyers, with Libya showing stronger demand for Robusta and Egypt importing both Arabica and Robusta.Between Jan 1 and March 10, these countries together imported 14,965 tonnes of coffee from India. The variety-wise breakdown stood at 6,633 tonnes of Arabica, 5,373 tonnes of Robusta, 2,935 tonnes of instant coffee, and 28 tonnes of roasted coffee. Exporters said the crisis also pushed up coffee prices.
