CareEdge Ratings anticipates an 8% growth in Indian container cargo for FY26, reaching 380 MMT, despite geopolitical headwinds. This growth is fueled by capacity expansions, rising transhipment, and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor's completion.

Indian container cargo is expected to post a resilient growth of 8 per cent in FY26 despite facing multiple geopolitical disruptions, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings. The report estimated that container volume in India will reach around 380 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY26

It stated, "Indian Container Cargo to Post Resilient Growth of 8 per cent in FY26 Amid Geopolitical Disruptions."

This growth will be supported by factors such as capacity expansion, rising transhipment activity and the slated completion of the entire Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, which is expected to improve cargo handling efficiency.

In FY25, Indian ports handled 1,593 MMT of cargo, marking a growth of 3 per cent over FY24. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the period FY23-FY25 remained at around 5 per cent, reflecting steady performance amid global trade challenges.

However, the report also pointed out that global trade activity continues to face headwinds from geopolitical and trade disruptions, and Indian ports have not been fully immune.

For instance, cargo volumes on Gujarat's coast fell by 6 per cent in May 2025 due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.Similarly, the United States imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, impacting major export sectors such as home textiles, gems, shrimp, engineering components, and speciality chemicals.

While the US accounts for about 20 per cent of India's exports, its share in sea-based trade excluding electronic items is only around 5 per cent. This suggests that the direct impact on port volumes from US tariffs will remain moderate.

Read more at:

Despite geopolitical disruptions, Indian container cargo to grow 8% in FY26: CareEdge Ratings

Transforming India’s Container Industry

Shipping Container Investment: Your Gateway to Passive Income

Tide turns for India with $300 million CMA CGM order for six box ships at Cochin

Despite geopolitical disruptions, Indian container cargo to grow 8% in FY26: CareEdge Ratings