Indian exporters are keeping their fingers crossed amid the outbreak of mpox in Africa, as the continent is a crucial region for domestic exports.
According to exporters, though the spread of the disease is contained in certain countries, it would be a challenge, if it spreads to more nations. “As of now, the spread is not rampant, but looking into the infection, the exporters are definitely concerned, hoping it will not spread,” Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai said.
Another exporter said that so far, there is no lockdown-like situation in the continent, and therefore, no payment delays are happening. “But, we are keeping our fingers crossed,” he said. Think tank GTRI said the direct impact of the MPox outbreak on global trade has been limited so far, though the situation warrants close monitoring.
Unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to strict travel bans, the current MPox situation has not necessitated such drastic measures, Globe Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) founder Ajay Srivastava said. However, “India must remain vigilant to the evolving situation. India should take precautionary measures to mitigate any potential disruptions in trade and ensure that its public health responses are well-coordinated to prevent the virus from impacting its economy,” Srivastava said.
