India’s egg export market is witnessing a sharp slowdown as escalating tensions in West Asia disrupt trade flows and weaken demand from key Gulf destinations. Exporters said shipments to several Middle Eastern markets have declined significantly in recent weeks due to logistical uncertainties, higher freight costs, and cautious buying by importers.
The Gulf region accounts for a major share of India’s shell egg exports, with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar among the leading buyers. However, the ongoing West Asia crisis has affected cargo movement schedules, increased insurance premiums, and disrupted regional supply chains, prompting several importers to defer or reduce purchases.
Exporters from major poultry-producing states including Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh said freight rates for shipments to Gulf markets have risen sharply amid vessel diversions and operational disruptions across regional trade corridors. Some traders also reported delays in cargo clearances and growing concerns over payment cycles.
Industry participants noted that weakening consumer demand in parts of the Gulf has added further pressure on Indian exporters already dealing with fluctuating feed costs and currency volatility. The fall in export orders has resulted in excess domestic supply in some regions, impacting farmgate egg prices.
Trade bodies have urged the government to closely monitor the situation and support exporters facing rising logistics costs and market disruptions. Exporters are also exploring opportunities in alternative markets across Africa and Southeast Asia to offset declining Gulf demand.
Despite the current challenges, industry stakeholders remain hopeful that trade flows will stabilise once regional tensions ease and shipping operations across West Asia return to normal.