JOHOR BARU: The ongoing conflict in Iran has begun affecting the export of Malaysian pineapples to the Middle East as shipping routes get disrupted while logistics costs rise.
According to Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, the impact so far has been more operational rather than a drop in demand from buyers in the region.
“The main impact is on supply chain operations rather than demand itself,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Sheikh Umar said issues such as shipping delays, higher insurance costs and disruptions to cargo routes have made logistics more challenging for exporters.
He added two containers bound for the United Arab Emirates last week had to dock at a safer port due to the regional crisis, resulting in an additional surcharge of RM16,000 per container.
“The vessel has reportedly been stranded at the port for five days and has yet to resume its journey,” he said.
Sheikh Umar added that another shipment scheduled to depart on Thursday had also been delayed and subjected to additional surcharges, while several upcoming shipping bookings had been cancelled, with these cancellations estimated to have caused losses of about RM40,000 per container.
Despite the disruption, Sheikh Umar said demand for Malaysian pineapples in the Middle East remains stable.
He said the region continues to be one of the strategic export destinations for the industry due to its strong purchasing power and steady demand for tropical fruits.
“Malaysia’s total pineapple export value is estimated to reach RM1.4bil in 2025, with the Middle East among the three key international markets alongside China and Europe.
“Although Singapore remains the largest export destination, the Middle East is considered a premium market with significant growth potential,” he added.
Sheikh Umar said the region particularly favours the MD2 pineapple variety, which is known for its sweetness, crunchy texture and longer shelf life.
“Apart from fresh fruit, value-added products such as pineapple juice, canned pineapple and dried pineapple are also gaining traction in supermarkets in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates,” he added.
Sheikh Umar said fresh pineapple exports are more vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions because the fruit requires a fast and reliable cold supply chain.
As such, delays in shipping can affect the fruit’s freshness and quality, especially if refrigerated containers become limited or more expensive.
“In contrast, processed pineapple products such as canned fruit, juice and dried pineapple have longer shelf lives and are less sensitive to shipping delays.
“These products are more flexible in terms of logistics and can be redirected to alternative markets if disruptions occur,” he said.
To strengthen the industry’s resilience, Sheikh Umar said LPNM is working closely with producers and exporters to coordinate supply, improve logistics and ensure compliance with international quality standards.
He added that efforts are also being intensified to diversify export markets, including expanding to Europe, East Asia and other Asia-Pacific markets.
Despite the geopolitical uncertainties, Sheikh Umar said the long-term outlook for Malaysian pineapples in the global market remains positive due to growing demand and good reputation of Malaysia’s MD2.
