Indiaโs Port Volumes Rise 7% in August Despite Global Freight Rate Surge
Indiaโs port sector maintained strong momentum in August 2026, with overall port volumes increasing 7% year-on-year, even as global container freight rates surged 132% from February levels, according to a Jefferies report.
The sharp rise in freight rates was attributed to Middle East tensions, early peak-season shipments, and front-loading ahead of Chinaโs Golden Week.
Key Highlights
โข Major government-owned ports: Volumes increased 10% YoY
โข Non-major ports: Volumes grew 11% YoY
โข Port container volumes: Up 10% YoY
โข Iron ore: Up 30% YoY
โข Coal throughput: Up 6% YoY
โข Adani Ports: Volumes increased 19% YoY
The strong performance at Indian ports contrasted with Indian Railways, where container volumes declined 3% YoY in August.
Jefferies noted that transshipment activity may have supported container traffic, helping Indian ports sustain growth despite ongoing geopolitical disruptions.
Regional Performance
Growth across non-major ports remained mixed:
Odisha: +39%
Maharashtra: +8%
Gujarat: +3%
Indiaโs export-import trade also strengthened, rising 18% YoY in August. Containerisable trade, excluding petroleum, oil, lubricants, gems and jewellery, increased 21%, driven by 23% growth in exports and 20% growth in imports.
Exports to the US increased 22% YoY, while shipments to the UAE and Saudi Arabia declined by 17โ26%.
Meanwhile, road freight activity remained firm in early September, with freight tariffs rising 2% month-on-month, supported by higher fuel costs and preparations for seasonal demand.
Indiaโs ports continue to demonstrate resilience amid shifting global trade flows, rising freight costs and geopolitical uncertainty.
