India: Port cargo throughput rebound 11% m-o-m in May on strong bulk commodity demand

• Strong bulk commodity demand drives higher port throughput
• Paradip and Deendayal lead monthly cargo growth

Cargo shipments across key Indian ports rose 11% m-o-m to 52.46 million tonnes (mnt) in May 2026 against 47.47 mnt in April 2026, driven by higher volumes of coal, iron ore, fertilizers, and containerized cargo. The increase was supported by improved industrial activity, robust power sector demand, sustained thermal coal imports, resilient steel sector raw material requirements, and steady container traffic.

The onset of the monsoon and easing congestion at major ports supported smoother vessel turnaround, while lower bunker fuel prices improved shipping economics. However, uncertainty surrounding global trade policies and geopolitical developments continued to warrant caution.

Port-wise cargo movement

• Paradip port handled 14.11 mnt in May 2026, up 12% from 12.61 mnt in April, driven by higher coal and iron ore volumes amid strong demand from the power and industrial sectors.
• Deendayal port registered the sharpest increase among major Indian ports, with cargo volumes surging 22% m-o-m to 14.28 mnt in May from 11.75 mnt in April, supported by higher handling of coal, fertilizers, and other bulk commodities.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) witnessed a marginal decline of 1% m-o-m, with cargo volumes easing to 9.55 mnt in May from 9.62 mnt in April, primarily due to lower containerized cargo throughput and softer trade activity during the month. amid relatively stable container throughput.
• Visakhapatnam (Vizag) port recorded an 11% m-o-m increase in cargo movement to 8.22 mnt in May from 7.40 mnt in April, supported by higher volumes of coal, iron ore, and other dry bulk commodities.

Outlook

Cargo movement through Indian ports is expected to remain healthy in the coming months, supported by steady power sector demand, infrastructure activity, and seasonal bulk commodity imports.

Container traffic is likely to benefit from peak-season exports, while continued investments in port infrastructure and logistics efficiency are expected to sustain throughput growth despite external market uncertainties.