Exports of textiles, garments and wet grinders from Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore are facing significant delays as the escalating conflict in West Asia disrupts cargo movement through key international sea routes, affecting trade with Gulf countries and other overseas markets, industry officials said on Thursday.
Exporters said the situation has worsened following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage for global shipping. Cargo vessels that normally transit through the Red Sea and the Gulf region are now being rerouted around the African continent via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly disrupting shipping schedules.
According to the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), the diversion has extended shipping transit times by nearly 20–25 days. The delay is already affecting export commitments made by textile and garment manufacturers in the Coimbatore region, one of India’s key textile hubs.
Industry representatives warned that prolonged transit times could lead to financial losses for exporters. International buyers typically operate with strict delivery deadlines, and shipment delays could result in order cancellations or demands for steep discounts. Exporters are also bracing for rising logistics costs as shipping companies revise freight rates to account for longer routes and higher fuel consumption.
The disruption is particularly concerning for the textile sector, which depends heavily on consistent export schedules. Manufacturers in Coimbatore export garments worth nearly $2 billion annually to the United Arab Emirates, while shipments worth about $1 billion are sent to other Gulf markets.
With shipping schedules becoming increasingly uncertain, exporters fear buyers in the region may turn to alternative suppliers.
Industry players also flagged the possibility of raw material shortages. Traders said the disruption could affect supplies of synthetic yarn and other textile inputs, potentially pushing up production costs for manufacturers.
The impact is not limited to textiles. Coimbatore’s well-known wet grinder manufacturing sector, which exports significant volumes to Gulf and international markets, is also facing challenges. Several consignments are reportedly stuck at Jebel Ali Port, while new export orders from overseas buyers have been temporarily paused due to uncertainty over shipping timelines.
Exporters have urged the central government and shipping authorities to closely monitor the situation and consider logistical support measures to minimise disruption to India’s export trade. Industry bodies warned that a prolonged crisis in the region could have wider repercussions for exporters across southern India.
