- JNPT port witness improvement in cargo shipment
- Cargo shipment hits on ongoing geopolitical disruption
Cargo shipments from key Indian ports declined 23% m-o-m to 47.47 million tonnes (mnt) in April 2026, reflecting slower bulk cargo movement and cautious trade activity across major ports.
Port-wise cargo movement
- Paradip Port shipments decreased 11% m-o-m to 12.61 mnt in April 2026 from 14.15 mnt in March. Shipments declined mainly due to softer coal handling and weak dry bulk volumes, as reduced cargo inflows and fewer vessel nominations weighed on overall activity. Additionally, muted demand from key sectors like power and steel, along with subdued trade momentum, kept sentiment weak during the month.
- Deendayal Port shipments dropped 27% m-o-m to 11.75 mnt from 16 mnt, pressured by weaker container and bulk cargo volumes, amid reduced trade activity and fewer cargo bookings. Sluggish movement of key commodities and cautious market sentiment further weighed on overall throughput.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) shipments rose 5% m-o-m to 9.62 mnt from 9.16 mnt due to steady container traffic and improved export-import activity, supported by stable trade flows and better cargo movement.
- Visakhapatnam Port (Vizag) shipments declined 18% m-o-m to 7.4 mnt from 9 mnt due to slower iron ore and coal handling, amid reduced cargo inflows and lower vessel activity. Weak demand for bulk commodities and subdued trade momentum further weighed on overall port throughput.
Outlook
In the near term, India’s cargo shipments are likely to remain under mild pressure as bulk cargo demand – particularly coal and iron ore – stays uneven amid cautious industrial activity and fluctuating import requirements.
While container volumes may offer some stability supported by steady EXIM trade, overall port throughput could see limited upside due to subdued cargo inflows and cautious market sentiment. However, any pickup in infrastructure activity and seasonal restocking could provide gradual support to volumes.
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