South African fruit exports face delays as Iran war disrupts global shipping routes

South Africa's fruit exporters are facing mounting losses and disruption as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its fourth week, threatening a $1.3 billion market in the Middle East. Around 90 percent of fruit shipped to the region has been affected, with the Jebel Ali port in the UAE temporarily suspending services after attacks. Shipping lines have stopped taking bookings, leaving produce stranded at sea or piling up in South African warehouses, whilst transport costs have surged due to oil supply restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz. Exporters are attempting to divert shipments to India, Oman and Sri Lanka, but differing regulatory requirements and limited local market capacity are compounding the crisis as the citrus harvest season approaches. Al Jazeera's Fahmida Miller reports from Cape Town, South Africa. Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly
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