Indian importers of fresh fruits such as apples, cherries and kiwis are not overly concerned about any possible disruption to trade with Iran. However, the dry fruits industry is apprehensive about a potentially greater impact following US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose a 25 per cent duty on countries that continue trading with Iran.
“As long as it is allowed and the government does not restrict it, there is no worry. However, if there is disruption on logistics there may be issue,” said Anil Dwivedi, general secretary of Delhi-based Fresh Fruits Importers Association. He added that currently consignments are routed through Bandar Abbas port, as operations at Chabahar are reportedly curbed.
Sources said that india’s fresh fruits exports — mainly bananas — are managed by some of the same companies that import apples and kiwis, enabling them to manage payments with some barter-like arrangement with their Iranian counterparts.
In contrast, the dry fruits sector expects a sharper impact. Rajeev Pabreja, founding member of the Nuts & Dry Fruits Council (India), said the unrest and economic turmoil in Iran could significantly affect imports, particularly pistachios, dates, saffron, almonds and raisins.
“Iran is going through one of its most serious waves of internal unrest and economic instability in years, with nationwide protests, inflation, and political pressure on the government. This has already disrupted normal trade channels and financial operations,” Pabreja said.
He added that export payments are already being delayed as Iranian importers struggle with economic instability and payment remittances. “Traders may avoid risk as uncertainty leads to hesitation in committing to long-term contracts or large orders with Iranian counterparts,” said Pabreja, who is also co-chair of the MEWA India conference and exhibition, which is scheduled later this month in Delhi.
Many Indian importers are closely monitoring the situation in Iran and the US tariff threat as these developments tend to disrupt operation in ports and customs.
Amid escalating tensions and the possibility of US military intervention, the Indian government on Wednesday advised all Indian nationals in Iran to leave by available means, including commercial flights, and to avoid travel to the country. More than 10,000 Indians, including students, are estimated to be residing in Iran.
“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 per cent on any and all business being done with the US. This order is final and conclusive….,” Trump had posted on social media platform Truth Social on January 12. He also, on Wednesday, warned Iran of “consequences” if it continues violent actions against its own citizens. But, he added: “The message is they’ve got to show humanity. They have got a big problem, and I hope they are not going to be killing people. It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed.”
Published on January 14, 2026
