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India’s Port Volumes Rise 7% as Global Freight Rates Surge

Iron Ore Up 30%, Container Trade Up 21%

Indian port volumes

News: India’s port volumes rose 7% year-on-year in August 2026, showing continued strength in cargo and trade activity even as global container freight rates surged 132% from February levels.

Jefferies attributed the freight-rate increase to Middle East tensions, early peak-season shipments and front-loading ahead of China’s Golden Week.

Container volumes at Indian ports increased 10%, while iron ore grew 30% and coal throughput rose 6%. Export-import trade climbed 18%, with containerisable trade up 21%. Adani Ports recorded 19% volume growth.

The combination of stronger port throughput and elevated global freight rates points to continued cost and capacity pressure for shippers heading into the festive and year-end season.