FREIGHT COSTS PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
MSME manufacturing sector expands in Jan-March period but growth moderates amid West Asia crisis: PHDCCI survey
India's MSME manufacturing sector continued to grow in early 2026. However, expansion slowed due to global issues, especially the West Asia crisis. This crisis caused longer shipping times and higher costs. Business activity saw new orders and production increase, but hiring remained steady. The outlook for the next quarter is positive but cautious. Policy support is vital for sustained growth.
MSME activity expands but loses steam as global headwinds bite: PHDCCI survey
India's manufacturing MSME sector continues to expand. However, growth momentum is slowing. New orders and production are increasing at a slower pace. The outlook for the next quarter remains positive but cautious.
Rice prices in Asia soar as Iran war fallout threatens supply
Thai rice prices have seen their sharpest rise in over two years, driven by escalating fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the Iran conflict. Despite potential de-escalation, elevated input costs are expected to persist, threatening future rice output.
Paracetamol may get costlier as Vizag chemists warn 30–40% drug cost surge amid Iran war-led pharma cost shock
The ongoing conflict in Iran is impacting India's healthcare sector. Pharmaceutical distributors warn of significant price increases for essential medicines. Soaring raw material costs, particularly from West Asia, are forcing manufacturers to adjust prices. While current stock remains unaffected, future hikes are expected for generic and essential drugs. The government is taking steps to stabilize costs and ensure availability.
West Asia war: Morbi-Thangadh ceramic clusters gasp for gas, units shut, losses mount
Since the beginning of the war, these two clusters are struggling due to a shortage of propane, with many units closing shops.
Logistics firms enter last mile for IPO delivery, rev up for Rs 9,000 crore issues
India's logistics sector is poised for a significant IPO cycle, with several companies preparing to raise an estimated ₹8,000-9,000 crore. Driven by improving demand and a supportive policy environment, firms like Horizon Industrial Parks, Leap India, and Shiprocket are leading the fundraising wave.
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Seed industry seeks policy support amid input cost increase
The turbulence in West Asia is starting to have a notable impact on India's seed industry, causing costs to soar. In response, companies are urging the government to consider more substantial tax breaks for research and development efforts. They also propose tapping into the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to facilitate energy shifts.
Pharma exports fall to five-year low in March amid West Asia crisis
India's pharma exports saw a sharp 23.17% fall in March. The West Asia war disrupted shipping routes and air transit hubs. This led to increased freight costs and potential losses of ₹2,500-₹5,000 crore. Despite strong growth earlier in FY26, the conflict impacted crucial transit points like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This affected the flow of vital medicines to global markets.
Semaglutide API price plunges amid GLP-1 rush
Global demand for weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy has caused semaglutide prices to drop significantly. Manufacturing has expanded rapidly, and patents are expiring in key markets. Indian drugmakers are launching generics at lower prices. Experts predict further price softening in the coming months, benefiting consumers with wider access to these therapies.
Corrugated box manufacturers warn of severe cost surge, call for price revision and policy support
India's corrugated box makers are in crisis. Kraft paper prices have jumped 15-20 percent. Other materials like gum and ink are up 30-40 percent. Factory running costs are also increasing. The industry faces GST refund delays, locking up vital funds.
Steel to stay costly through 2026, India to lead demand rebound in 2027: Report
Global steel demand will stay weak, growing just 0.3% in 2026, with China dragging growth while India emerges as a strong outlier. Despite soft demand, steel prices are rising due to higher raw material costs, supply tightness, and geopolitics. Aluminium leads gains among metals, while copper, zinc, and nickel show mild declines amid continued global volatility.
Cannot absorb hike in wages: Noida exporters
Noida apparel exporters warn wage hikes and labour unrest may disrupt shipments, as rising costs and pressure from global buyers threaten orders, risking a shift to competing markets like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Decontrol oil prices and replace cross-subsidies with targeted DBTs for needy households
During recent global crude price volatility linked to West Asia tensions, retail fuel prices in India remained largely unchanged, unlike in other countries or even private retailers, raising questions about the credibility of “market-linked” pricing.
Iran war impact: Essential drugs may cost up to 5% more, for now
The immediate net consumer impact could be 3-5% higher prices, or roughly similar to what consumers paid before the late-September cuts in GST rates. The industry expects the price increase to be in place for 3-4 months, with a rollback option once input costs stabilise.
Auto sales hit record high in FY26 as tax cuts, rate easing drive demand
India’s automobile sales hit a record high in FY26, driven by tax cuts, lower interest rates and revised income tax slabs, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. Sales rose across all segments, with passenger vehicles up 8% and exports jumping 24%. Industry leaders said demand remained strong despite global uncertainties, with growth expected to continue, though geopolitical risks and rising costs are being closely monitored.
Infra spend up six-fold since 2014, crosses Rs 12 lakh crore: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, marking a significant investment in national infrastructure. Since 2014, spending on such projects has seen a staggering six-fold increase. The expressway, at a cost of ₹12,000 crore, promises to cut down travel times and expenses significantly. It thoughtfully includes a wildlife corridor to safeguard local animals.
Shelter from Spike 'n' Supply Storm: West Asia tensions test India Inc’s resilience to energy shocks
Escalating tensions in West Asia highlight India’s vulnerability to energy and logistics disruptions. Even without supply cuts, higher freight and insurance costs can strain margins and widen deficits. Strong balance sheets offer a cushion, but prolonged volatility could test corporate earnings, capital expenditure plans, and the broader credit cycle.
West Asia war may have adverse implications for auto industry: SIAM
The war in West Asia could create near-term headwinds for India’s automobile sector through rising input costs, supply chain disruptions and pressure on logistics, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shailesh Chandra said on Tuesday.
Edible oil imports in March rise 12% to 11.73 lakh tonne: SEA
India's edible oil imports saw a 12 percent jump in March. This increase was driven by more crude palm oil shipments. However, future imports may decrease. Global prices are high. Freight costs are also elevated. This situation impacts India's edible oil supply. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India provided this data.
Crude surge lifts toy prices ahead of summer rush
Toy prices are rising ahead of the summer holidays as the West Asia conflict pushes up crude-linked raw material costs, especially plastics. Industry body The All India Toy Manufacturers Association said prices could increase 10%–40%, with plastic costs surging sharply in recent weeks.
West Asia war: Punjab industry hit by labour shortage, rising costs
The ongoing turmoil in West Asia is sending ripples through Punjab's industrial landscape. Manufacturers of textiles, bicycles, and automotive components are grappling with surging production costs and shipment delays. In response, businesses are exploring alternative fuel sources while trying to absorb or mitigate rising expenses.
Iran-US war pushes polymer, resin prices up 60%; plastics exporters squeezed despite ceasefire
Freight rates jump up to 10x, polymer prices rise 60%, while supply disruptions and supply chain delays strain MSMEs and the sector's export competitiveness.
Ceasefire fails to ease pressure on chemical exporters; 50% trade still at risk
India's chemical exporters are struggling despite a ceasefire. Supply chains remain disrupted, and costs are high. Shipping through the Gulf corridor is uncertain, affecting imports and exports.
Iran conflict: Pharma supply chains may take months to recover
Experts said supply chains disrupted by the conflict will take months to stabilise, and prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)-the raw materials that go into medicines-are expected to soften only gradually.
Govt ramps up feedstock supplies to pharma sector amid West Asia disruptions
India's government is boosting petrochemical feedstock for drug makers. This ensures essential medicines remain available as global supply chains face disruptions. Indian refiners are now supplying key inputs like propylene, ammonia, and methanol. Customs duties have also been reduced to ease costs. Domestic drug prices are stable.
FedEx trucking spinoff targets 2026 operating margin of 12%
As FedEx Freight prepares for its upcoming independence on June 1, it's setting ambitious goals with a projected 12 percent operating margin this year. The trucking giant forecasts a hefty revenue of $8.7 billion, alongside promising medium-term growth for its revenue and core profits. With a strong focus on modernization investments, the company aims to steadily improve its margins.
Railways account for 28-30% of freight movement, well below global benchmarks: ASSOCHAM
Indian Railways is transforming to boost freight movement. The sector aims for 3,000 million tonnes capacity by 2030. Initiatives like Dedicated Freight Corridors and electrification are enhancing efficiency. Increasing rail's modal share is crucial for reducing logistics costs and strengthening global competitiveness. This transformation positions Indian Railways as a key driver of economic growth and logistics efficiency.
Tata Steel's T V Narendran says West Asia conflict is raising costs for steel industry
Geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States are driving up costs for India's steel industry. Rising freight and insurance rates are the primary concerns. Supply constraints for fuels like LPG and LNG also add pressure. This impacts the entire supply chain, affecting downstream manufacturing units and customer segments like fabrication units. Steel production itself has not been affected yet.
From $300 to $8,500 freight: West Asia war squeezes UP MSMEs, delays stretch to 60 days
Exporters report shipment delays of up to 60 days, 20-30% cost escalation, and growing order uncertainty due to the West Asia conflict.
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