India’s export landscape is showing contrasting trends between air and ocean freight as the year draws to a close. Recent logistics data indicates that air cargo exports from India climbed sharply, reflecting stronger demand for time-sensitive and high-value goods, even as container volumes at major seaports have dipped on certain trade routes.
According to trade figures, air export volumes increased by nearly 10 % year-on-year in November 2025, a sign that shippers are leaning more on air freight channels to meet urgent delivery schedules and navigate market uncertainty. This uptick in air freight activity was supported by robust shipments of pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables, sectors that traditionally favour air transport for speed and reliability.
By contrast, ocean container exports registered a downturn in the same period, with some major Indian ports reporting a year-on-year drop in loaded containers, particularly on routes affected by tariff pressures and softer global demand. The decline in ocean freight volumes underscores how external trade issues, including tariff headwinds in key destination markets, have weighed on traditional ocean-borne cargo flows this year.
Logistics sector watchers say the divergence highlights shifting supply chain behaviours: air freight is becoming more attractive for companies needing resilient, predictable delivery timelines, while ocean carriers and exporters navigate capacity and pricing challenges amid slower demand. The outcome is a mixed performance signal for India’s broader export logistics environment heading into 2026.
#BreakingNews #SupplyChainNews #AirCargoGrowth #OceanFreight #LogisticsUpdate
