Shipments from India to Iran have surged, yet a 25% US levy on Tehran’s trade partners now endangers Indian air exports.
The air cargo sector in India is experiencing volatility as a recent 200 percent surge in shipments to Iran meets a major geopolitical hurdle. Data released on 20 January 2026 indicates that while air freight to Iran rose from 563 tonnes in 2023 to nearly 1,200 tonnes by late 2025, a new American trade policy threatens this momentum.
A 25 percent tariff has been proposed on any nation maintaining commercial ties with Iran. This move is particularly concerning for exporters in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh, who rely on air routes to transport essential goods. Major airborne exports currently at risk include:
- Pharmaceuticals: Vital medical supplies are frequently sent via express air services.
- Agricultural Goods: High-value items such as tea and rice.
- Machinery & Textiles: Industrial components and commercial parcels.
Industry experts from the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India noted on 20 January 2026 that these levies could undermine the global competitiveness of Indian products. While the Iran corridor saw significant expansion, air freight to the United States experienced a sharp downturn, hitting a nine-year nadir of roughly 6,100 tonnes in 2025.
SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA
