Coimbatore, Tiruppur exporters seek measures to make Vizhinjam International Seaport viable for MSME exporters

For the exporters in Coimbatore and Tiruppur region, commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is a promising logistic solution for direct shipments to the western countries. However, much needs to be done to make it economically viable for the exporters to start using this port on a large scale.

Garment exporters in Tiruppur who shipped goods worth ₹46,000 crore in 2025-2026 have said that the location of the port close to the major international East–West shipping route and its deep-water container handling capabilities provide an opportunity to develop Vizhinjam as an important gateway for EXIM cargo from the manufacturing clusters of Tamil Nadu.

However, for the MSME-dominated industry in Tiruppur and nearby areas, logistics cost, transit time, container availability, and schedule reliability are critical factors in determining export competitiveness. The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) has sought development of a Tiruppur-Vizhinjam EXIM cargo corridor, preferably through an ICD/CFS or an appropriate logistics facility either at Vizhinjam or at a strategically suitable location along the Tiruppur-Vizhinjam corridor.

There should be focused efforts to provide direct connectivity to the European Union, UK, US and west Asian countries, it said.

“As global apparel supply chains increasingly operate on shorter lead times, predictable vessel schedules and competitive transit times will be essential for Tiruppur exporters to confidently route cargo through Vizhinjam,” said the TEA.

Further, for the MSME-driven clusters in Tamil Nadu to benefit from the port, the total landed logistics cost should be competitive. There should be a commercially attractive and transparent logistics package covering terminal handling, container handling, documentation, storage and other associated charges, it said.

Further, there should be a single window operation covering the terminal operator, Customs, shipping lines and relevant logistics stakeholders, with participation from industry representatives.

The industry has suggested to the Kerala government to organise a trade meet in Coimbatore, take the inputs from the exporters here and enable better cargo movement from the MSME exporting units to the western destinations through Vizhinjam.