After rupee appreciation and global and domestic price mismatch, it is container shortage which is harming the coffee exports from India now.
According to All India Coffee Exporters' Association, India's coffee exports have been hit by non-availability of food-grade shipping containers.
There are no food-grade containers available at Kochi port, which has led to a 10 to 15-day delay in shipments, the association said.
India's coffee exports are mainly shipped through Kochi port. Some of it goes through Chennai and New Mangalore ports.
The shipping lines had attributed the shortage of containers to a higher demand from China.
Coffee exports in January-July were down 6 per cent at 1,43,767 tonnes, according to the Coffee Board data.
Exporters have held back from signing deals as Indian coffee has been quoting higher than international prices. A stronger rupee has also affected price realisation for coffee growers.
India traditionally exports 80 per cent of the coffee it produces.
Even though traders are getting export inquiries, shortage of containers is delaying shipments.
Buyers may also cancel orders if the delay persists. Buyers, especially in Europe, will not wait for supplies from India, but look to other countries.
