Rwandan exporters of horticultural products are facing growing losses as the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to disrupt global trade and supply chains.
The escalation of hostilities in the Middle East has affected international shipping routes and raised transport costs, making it difficult for exporters to access key markets in the region. The tensions have also disrupted maritime traffic around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, which has seen vessels damaged and shipping activities slowed following military confrontations.
For Rwanda, whose horticulture exports include fruits, vegetables and flowers shipped to overseas markets, the disruptions have translated into delayed shipments, reduced orders and financial losses for exporters.
Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi said the war is already affecting the country’s agricultural exports.
“The war in the Middle East has had consequences specifically to exports of agricultural products,” Sebahizi told the media, noting that exporters are struggling with market uncertainties and logistical challenges.
The Middle East is an important market for many agricultural exporters worldwide, but the conflict has created instability in regional trade. Experts warn that the ongoing crisis could further disrupt supply chains across Africa, with countries heavily reliant on global trade routes feeling the impact.
In addition to shipping challenges, the war has triggered spikes in fuel and fertilizer prices, increasing production and transport costs for agricultural products. Analysts say the conflict has already caused significant volatility in global energy markets and raised fears of inflation in food prices worldwide.
Rwandan exporters of fresh produce are particularly vulnerable because horticultural products are highly perishable and depend on reliable and timely transport to reach international markets.
The most affected are the exporters of avocadoes and vegetables and flowers.
Industry stakeholders say the situation could worsen if the conflict persists, as higher fuel costs and disrupted trade routes make exports more expensive and less competitive.
Despite the challenges, the government says it is closely monitoring the situation and exploring alternative markets to support exporters affected by the crisis.”Rwanda has many countries that need our exports, we are now monitoring the situation so that we can export our products to other countries instead of middle East” Minister added.
Economists warn that prolonged instability in the Middle East could continue to affect global agricultural trade, potentially slowing exports and increasing food prices in several regions of the world.
