Kolkata: The Iran-US conflict is beginning to bite India's foundry and castings sector, pushing up raw material prices, logistics costs and working capital stress — particularly for smaller manufacturers.
Industry associations including the IFA and FCDA have flagged a sharp rise in pig iron prices over the past three months — steel grade up from Rs 36,500 to Rs 41,500 per tonne, and foundry grade from Rs 41,000 to Rs 45,000.
Coke prices have also risen, with domestic hard coke up Rs 2,000–3,000 per tonne, driven by freight escalation, war-related surcharges and higher resin and chemical costs.
Vijay Shankar Beriwal, joint chairman of the FCDA, said payment cycles are lengthening and MSME foundries are facing margin erosion and working capital stress alongside the rising input costs.
The conflict has also begun to shift export dynamics, with analysts flagging both cost pressures and potential strategic opportunities for Indian exporters in markets disrupted by the tensions.