Indian exporters are facing uncertainty as the mpox outbreak threatens trade with Africa, a key market for Indian goods, particularly crude oil and pharmaceuticals, reports Maritime Gateway. Though the spread is currently contained, exporters remain cautious about potential escalation.
Ajay Sahai, Director General of FIEO, emphasized the need for vigilance, noting that there have been no lockdowns or payment delays so far. The Globe Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) also acknowledged the limited impact on global trade but urged close monitoring of the situation.
While the mpox crisis has not led to severe restrictions like the COVID-19 pandemic, GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava stressed the importance of precautionary measures to avoid disruptions. With the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being the epicenter, concerns are rising about the impact on trade between India and Africa, as both regions aim to reach $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Balancing public health and trade stability will be crucial as the situation evolves, offering an opportunity for both regions to strengthen health systems and build trade resilience.
