Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Mar 4: The ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran has begun impacting industrial units in Maharashtra, with exporters in Marathwada reporting disruptions in the global supply chain and delays in shipments bound for Europe.
The United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on February 28, escalating tensions in West Asia and affecting international trade routes.
According to the Marathwada Exporters' Forum of the Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture (CMIA), nearly 1,000 small, medium and large industrial units directly or indirectly export products from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Forum head Rohit Jaju said containers carrying automobile components from the region have been stranded at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai.
“Since the war broke out, the containers carrying the goods of some industrial units from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have been lying at JNPT. These containers carrying automobile components were supposed to go to Europe,” Jaju said.
Industrial hubs such as Waluj, Chikalthana and Shendra house several units manufacturing automobile parts, medicines, steel and machine components, which are exported to various countries.
Jaju said the export of agricultural produce, including fruits and crops destined for the Middle East, has also been halted by producers due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“There is a clear impact on the automobile parts manufacturing industry here. If the situation continues, companies may have to take a longer route to export goods, which could add 20-22 days to delivery time. This will increase transport costs and overall turnaround time,” he said.
He further warned that prolonged delays could lead overseas buyers to seek alternative suppliers. “The companies that need our products may not wait indefinitely and may start looking for new vendors. Maintaining customers is becoming a challenge. Imports from European countries have also been interrupted, which could push up prices of fruits like apples and kiwis,” he added.
Jaju also said some shipping companies have suspended operations due to the conflict. As a result, certain exporters are considering bringing back their consignments.
“If any surcharge is imposed post-war, exports could become even more expensive. The uncertainty is affecting planning and costing for the industry,” he said.