March 10, 2026
We sat down to chat with the Managing Director of Arab India Spices, Harish Tahiliani, who reveals how the UAE is navigating the shockwaves of the Iran conflict. We discuss shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, emergency war surcharges, and why the local market is panic-buying pulses. He also unpacks fresh demand from the US and Europe, and why African buyers will have to search out new exporters as long as the war continues.
There's been continued demand both in the Middle East and from some of the African nations. Pulse demand in the Middle East has been consistently on the higher side. I would like to give some credit to DP World for that, as they have more than 72 ports operating globally, which have helped connect the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries really well. It means buyers feel comfortable coming here and negotiating, doing their business, and travelling here whenever they need to.
Demand is up because more and more people in our region are eating pulses for their protein, and we've seen more vegans and vegetarians. People are a lot more health-conscious and are using pulses to get their protein intake.
READ THE FULL ARTICLEWhen the Strait of Hormuz was closed, the UAE government acted very quickly to open up Khor Fakkan and Fujairah ports, which are away from the Strait of Hormuz.
Emergency war surcharges between $1,700 up to $2,500 per container have been imposed by shipping lines
Arab India Spices has been buying shipments of black matpe from Brazil over the last two years, complementing larger shipments from Myanmar or India
Harish Tahiliani / Arab India Spices / UAE / India / Russia / Canada / Red Lentils / Turkey / Chickpeas / Africa / USA / 2026 Iran conflict / MENA logistics corridor / Strait of Hormuz closure / surcharges / geopolitical trade disruptions
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the authors or quoted persons. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Global Pulse Confederation or its members.
