The ongoing war in West Asia involving Israel, the United States and Iran has severely disrupted coir pith and coir fibre exports from Pollachi and nearby areas in Coimbatore district. The closure of two major Gulf transit ports has thrown international cargo movement off schedule, leaving consignments stranded at sea and halting fresh shipments. Exporters say the uncertainty has created significant financial strain across the supply chain.

Around 500 to 700 manufacturing units in the region depend heavily on overseas markets, exporting to more than 125 countries and generating annual revenue of over Rs 3,000 crore. Business worth nearly Rs 500 crore is linked to Gulf markets. Currently, more than Rs 200 crore worth of coir pith and fibre remains stuck in Pollachi and surrounding areas, with exporters warning that prolonged delays could result in heavy losses.

The January to June period is typically the peak production season, but the conflict has compounded earlier setbacks caused by tariffs imposed by the United States. While shipments to the United States had begun to recover, exports to the European Union and Gulf countries, which account for a majority of trade, have been badly affected. Exporters are now exploring alternative markets, while industry officials await any formal representation to take up the matter with the Union government.