India: Major ports’ cargo throughput declines 4% m-o-m in Aug’26; Vizag hits 10-month low

• Growth at JNPT offsets declines at Paradip and Vizag, Deendayal broadly stable
• Monsoon-related disruptions, softer bulk cargo movement weigh on total volume

Cargo throughput across Paradip, Vizag, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), and Deendayal declined by around 4% m-o-m to 58.34 million tonnes (mnt) in August 2026 from 60.82 mnt in July. The decline was mainly driven by lower volumes at Paradip and Vizag, partly offset by stronger JNPT throughput. The broader major-port network continued to show resilience, with official data indicating strong container growth at JNPA in August.

Port-wise cargo movement

• Paradip: Cargo volumes fell 9% m-o-m to 11.8 mnt from 12.99 mnt, indicating weaker bulk cargo movement. The decline was mainly due to weaker bulk cargo movement, particularly lower coal and iron ore handling, amid subdued industrial activity and monsoon-related disruptions.
• Vizag: Throughput declined 10% m-o-m to 6.92 mnt from 7.70 mnt, hitting around a ten-month low, adding to the overall fall in eastern-coast cargo volumes. The decline was mainly driven by lower coal and iron ore handling, with heavy monsoon conditions disrupting cargo operations and vessel movement.
• JNPT: Cargo handling increased 11% m-o-m to 9.74 mnt from 8.78 mnt, supported by a sharp rise in container traffic. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) handled a record 831,956 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August, with container throughput up 19.54% y-o-y, highlighting firm container activity despite weaker bulk volumes.
• Deendayal: Cargo throughput remained broadly stable at 16.12 mnt, marginally higher than 16.06 mnt in July. Cargo throughput remained stable as steady port operations and balanced cargo handling offset weaker bulk movement, with volumes edging up marginally from July.

Softer bulk cargo offsets stronger container activity

The decline in combined throughput points to a softer bulk-cargo backdrop in August, particularly across the eastern ports, which could limit near-term support for dry-bulk freight demand. However, stronger JNPT container activity and continued infrastructure investment at major ports provide a counterbalance. Paradip’s ongoing capacity and mechanisation projects, including deeper draft capability for larger vessels, could further improve cargo-handling efficiency over the medium term.

Outlook

Port activity is likely to remain mixed in the near term, with container traffic providing support while bulk volumes remain sensitive to monsoon conditions, commodity demand and industrial activity. A recovery in coal, iron ore, and other bulk cargo movements at Paradip and Vizag would improve the overall freight-demand backdrop.