# India's pharma exports saw a sharp 23.17% fall in March.

*biotech · news · 2026-04-16 · The Economic Times*

## Key points

- India's pharma exports dropped 23.17% in March, the steepest fall in five years.
- March's export losses are estimated between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000 crore due to the West Asia conflict.
- Key air transit hubs—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha—were temporarily shut due to missile activity.
- Freight surcharges on Red Sea and Gulf routes spiked to $3,500–$8,000 per pharma shipment.
- Container costs for API imports from China doubled overnight from $1,200 to $2,400 per unit.

**Countries:** India, United States, European Union, Africa, Gulf Countries, China

[Read the full story on The Economic Times](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/pharma-exports-fall-to-five-year-low-in-march-amid-west-asia-crisis/articleshow/130317276.cms)

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