Exports of mehndi, stones, handicrafts to Gulf paused

Jaipur: Exports of mehndi, dimensional stones, handicrafts and garments from Rajasthan to Gulf countries have come to a standstill as the ongoing Iran conflict disrupts shipping operations and delays deliveries.Exporters said buyers in the region began postponing delivery of orders amid uncertainty and logistical disruptions. With shipping lines either suspended or operating irregularly, consignments that were ready for dispatch were put on hold.
Industry representatives said the situation left exporters in a difficult position as warehouses are filling up with goods meant for shipment to Gulf markets, which account for 10% of Rajasthan's total exports.Suresh Agarwal, president of the Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry, said, "So far, exporters are being told to postpone the consignments. These are early days and buyers think the situation will become normal in 1 month or so. But if normalcy does not happen, exporters will have to face cancellations."Agarwal said exports to Gulf countries account for about Rs 10,000 crore annually. "Any disruption will have an impact on businesses and jobs," he said.Rajasthan is a major exporter of mehndi, dimensional stones, handicrafts and garments, with Gulf countries among the key markets for these products. Cities such as Sojat for mehndi, Kishangarh for marble and granite processing, and Jaipur and Jodhpur for handicrafts rely on exports to the region.A mehndi trader in Sojat said, "Turkey is a big market for mehndi exports. We are yet to see the real impact on exports, but traders are worried. Most exporters based in Mumbai and Delhi buy from us and then export. We are currently in touch with them."