Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, the export community reports that shipping lines have not yet reduced the “War-Risk Surcharges” or “Peak Season Surcharges.” Freight rates for major routes remain nearly double their pre-crisis levels, placing a heavy burden on low-margin sectors like textiles and engineering goods. Furthermore, the shortage of empty containers continues to cause significant shipping delays. Industry bodies such as FIEO are calling for a dedicated shipping regulator to prevent arbitrary price hikes by foreign shipping lines and are urging the government to accelerate the “Make in India” initiative for container manufacturing.