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Iran War Threatens $500M India Drug Exports
6 Mar
Summary
- Freight costs for bulk drugs from China have doubled.
- Shipping lines refuse Gulf cargo, imposing surcharges.
- Companies are building larger drug inventories now.

India's substantial pharmaceutical exports, estimated between $300-500 million, are facing significant disruption due to the ongoing Iran war.
Freight costs for essential bulk drugs and raw materials imported from China have doubled. Additionally, many shipping lines are now refusing to transport cargo to Gulf hubs or are imposing hefty surcharges, complicating crucial logistics.
These disruptions directly impact India's pharmaceutical shipments to West Asia and the GCC region, which constitute 5-6% of the country's total drug exports. West Asia also serves as a critical transit point for exports to Western nations.
In response, pharmaceutical companies are proactively building larger inventories. This strategy aims to manage potential shipping delays and ensure the continuity of supply chains, especially as the current period represents the year-end for many businesses.




