India’s coffee export sector is facing a major setback as the West Asia crisis impact on India coffee exports intensifies, disrupting shipments from key trade hubs like Mangaluru. Known as a crucial India coffee export gateway, the coastal city is witnessing delays, rising logistics costs, and uncertainty in global trade.
Exporters report that shipments to Gulf countries have been significantly affected, with cargo movement either delayed or put on hold. Traditionally, consignments from Mangaluru are routed through major ports like Jebel Ali in the UAE. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions have forced shipping companies to halt or reroute services, severely affecting the Mangaluru coffee export disruption.
One of the biggest challenges emerging from the crisis is the sharp rise in freight costs. The cost of transporting a 20-ton container to Gulf destinations has increased dramatically—from around $578 to nearly $3,800. Similarly, alternative routes such as Shuwaikh Port have also seen costs surge to as high as $4,500, highlighting the growing coffee freight cost surge India is experiencing.
To cope with disruptions, exporters are exploring alternative routes like Sohar Port in Oman. However, this workaround involves additional land transportation, increasing overall expenses and delivery time. These challenges are making it difficult for exporters to maintain competitive pricing in the Gulf coffee trade India depends heavily on.
The crisis is particularly concerning because Mangaluru’s New Mangalore Port handles nearly 90% of India’s coffee exports, making it a vital hub in the New Mangalore Port exports ecosystem. Additionally, West Asia accounts for approximately 30–35% of India’s total coffee exports, underscoring the region’s importance for the industry.
Indian coffee varieties such as Arabica, Robusta, and instant coffee have strong demand in Gulf countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. However, prolonged disruptions could impact export volumes and strain relationships with international buyers.
Experts warn that if the situation continues, the West Asia crisis impact on India coffee exports could weaken India’s position in global markets. Strengthening alternative logistics routes and exploring new export destinations will be crucial to ensure stability in Indian coffee exports 2026 and beyond.
