Iran War: Douala Businesses Feel Impact, Struggle to Restock
By Synthia Lateu
Despite unfolding thousands of miles away, the ongoing conflict involving Iran, United States and Isreal is already taking a toll on traders in Douala, disrupting supply chains and driving uncertainty across key markets.
At the Ancient 3ème phone market, vendors say smartphone supplies many routed through the Middle East have been severely affected. Deliveries that once took hours are now delayed for days or even weeks.
Marcial Tabeu, a phone dealer expecting a shipment of 150 devices from Dubai, says the situation has made business increasingly difficult, with rising travel costs and limited stock affecting daily operations.
“Flight prices have gone up. We cannot travel. Stock is not available, and we have difficulties serving clients when they come looking for products. Goods that used to arrive within 24 hours now take weeks” Marcial said.
At a nearby shop, the strain is already visible. With fewer devices available, traders are being forced to raise prices while exploring alternative supply routes. Smartphone vendor Maslow Kouanga says attention is now shifting toward Asia, though not without concern.
“We are trying China because when one route is blocked, you have to try elsewhere. We also have partners there,” he explains, noting that the longer distance could make coordination more difficult.
The ripple effects extend beyond electronics. In the Anatole area of Douala II, sellers of Muslim – made garments are also facing shortages. Stalls that would typically showcase newly imported designs are now sparsely stocked, with older items struggling to attract buyers.
For Belinda Jato, the lack of new arrivals is directly affecting sales, as customers are often drawn to fresh designs.
“When clients see new designs, even mixed with older ones, they are attracted. Now there is nothing new, so the old stock is barely selling.”
For many vendors, the timing could not be worse.With the Ramadan feast approaching – a peak period for sales, traders say the disruption threatens their biggest commercial window of the year. Demand for garments such as abayas typically rises sharply as customers prepare for mosque attendance and celebrations.
At a time she would normally be making her highest sales, Marina another vendor says the uncertainty is overwhelming, with her investment now tied up in goods that may arrive too late.
“We invested all our money, but now we are blocked. We can’t place new orders. Our goods are still abroad and may arrive after the feast. We may try to sell, but it won’t be the same.”
Some traders who travelled to the Middle East to purchase goods are now stranded due to uncertain flight schedules, further complicating business operations back home. In one children’s clothing shop at Anatole, activity has slowed significantly as the owner remains unable to return.
For those relying on the Dubai supply route, fears are also growing about the risks of future travel.
Maslow Kouanga says the unpredictability of the situation is becoming a major concern for traders who depend on regular trips abroad.
“We are also afraid because you can travel there and suddenly everything shuts down, and you cannot return.”
As tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel persist, traders in Douala say they are now operating in a climate of uncertainty, waiting, adapting, and hoping their goods will arrive in time to salvage the season.
These developments come amid growing instability in the Persian Gulf, where drone attacks have targeted key infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, including areas near Dubai’s international airport and the strategic Fujairah Port ( a multi-purpose seaport on the eastern coastline of the United Arab Emirates). Since the start of the conflict, flight disruptions and tightened security around major transport hubs have slowed the movement of goods
