Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has released its FY 2025-26 trade data, showcasing significant enhancements in port operations. Exports soared by 19.4% year-on-year, reaching 33.67 million tonnes, fueled by increased demand for steel, engineering goods, chemicals, and bulk materials from southeastern India. Meanwhile, imports rose 5.5% to 57.45 million tonnes, mainly driven by coal, crude oil, fertilizers, and iron ore, resulting in a record total throughput of 90.3 million tonnes—a 10.34% increase from FY25.
VPA Chairperson M. Angamuthu attributed this growth to widespread improvements in bulk, break-bulk, and liquid cargo handling, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency. The 19.4% export growth rate significantly outpaces the 5.5% import increase, highlighting a broader shift in India’s trade towards higher manufactured goods exports as the PLI scheme fosters manufacturing expansion.
In related news, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has commissioned the River Pearl 47, India’s largest self-propelled backhoe dredger, enhancing deepwater dredging capabilities. Additionally, Hambantota International Port in Sri Lanka is expanding its RoRo and container handling capacity to capitalize on shifting trade routes, particularly in the automotive sector, providing further support to India’s vehicle export operations during disruptions in Gulf shipping channels.
