UAE’s foodstuffs traders aim to source more from India, Pakistan to make up for Ukraine shipments

UAE’s foodstuffs traders aim to source more from India, Pakistan to make up for Ukraine shipments

Dubai: UAE foodstuffs traders and retailers are rushing to find alternate sourcing arrangements on food supplies as the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters a third week. Global prices of key commodities such as wheat has surged as Ukraine – which is one of the major players in this food essential – barring all shipments. Higher supplies from other exporting countries can fill the gap, say senior industry sources. “Wheat from India, Pakistan and Australia can be brought in easily enough,” said Dr. Dhananjay Datar, Managing Director at Al Adil, the ethnic food retailer. “Yes, rising container costs are a worry, but that’s something all importers in all industries have been dealing with. “Our shipment costs are at $950 for a TEU (20-foot container) where it used to be $50-$100 not so long ago. The important thing, however, is to absorb the costs and try not to pass it on to consumers.” (Al Adil brings in its shipments from the Navi Mumbai Port.) It’s not just about higher import costs alone. “On shipments from Jebel Ali to East Africa – a major food export route from here - carriers are releasing bookings only with a premium,” said Roshmon Manoli, Vice-President for Freight Forwarding