NewsGlobalIndia's Container Trade Defies Global Slowdown with 13% Export Growth and 20% Import SurgeIndia's Container Trade Defies Global Slowdown with 13% Export Growth and 20% Import Surge
India's containerised trade showed exceptional resilience in 2025 with 13% export growth and 20% import expansion, significantly outperforming global trade trends. Exports to the US grew 17% and European shipments increased 20%, driven by diversified sectors including retail, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and metals. Enhanced shipping reliability reaching 90% schedule adherence, compared to industry average in mid-60% range, supported this growth momentum and strengthened India's structural position in global supply chains.
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India's containerised trade has emerged as a standout performer in 2025, bucking global trade headwinds with robust double-digit growth in both exports and imports. According to Bhavik Mota, Director & Head of Ocean Markets – South Asia at Maersk, the country's containerised exports grew nearly 13% while imports expanded at an even faster pace of about 20% year-on-year, highlighting India's strengthening position in global supply chains.
Strong Performance Amid Global Uncertainty
India's trade resilience becomes particularly notable against the backdrop of a volatile global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and demand uncertainty. The country's containerised trade showed "quite a bit of dynamism and resilience in 2025," with growth being broad-based across both export and import categories.
The performance reflects not just favourable demand conditions but also the increasing competitiveness of Indian manufacturing and exporters' enhanced ability to integrate with global supply chains.
Key Market Performance
India's trade relationships with Western markets demonstrated exceptional strength during 2025:
| Market | Export Growth | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| United States | +17% | Retail and lifestyle products leading |
| Europe | +20% | Critical destination for diversified exports |
| Overall Exports | +13% | Broad-based growth across sectors |
| Overall Imports | +20% | Reflecting robust domestic demand |
The strong export numbers to the US market came despite tariff-related headwinds, with retail and lifestyle products continuing to lead, followed by pharmaceuticals, machinery, and metals. This diversity in India's export basket has proven crucial for maintaining resilience against global shocks.
Export Diversification Drives Resilience
India's export strength stems from its diversified portfolio across multiple sectors. The country is "not dependent on a single category," which has helped exporters remain resilient against global disruptions even as certain segments face pressure from external factors.
Europe accounts for nearly one-fifth of India's exports and has remained a critical destination despite softened demand conditions in some regions due to inflation. Overall trade volumes have held up, supported by long-term relationships and steady cargo flows.
Logistics Improvements Boost Competitiveness
A critical enabler of India's trade momentum has been significant improvements in shipping reliability. Maersk's revamped East-West network under its Gemini service has achieved approximately 90% schedule reliability, substantially higher than the industry average in the mid-60% range.
| Reliability Metric | Maersk Performance | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Reliability | ~90% | Mid-60% range |
| Impact | Enhanced exporter confidence | Standard performance |
This improved reliability has directly impacted exporter confidence and planning capabilities, particularly for time-sensitive cargo such as retail, apparel, and pharmaceuticals. The recalibration and capacity induction on key trade lanes have further supported growth from India to major markets.
Structural Strengthening in Global Trade
The combination of strong export growth to the US and Europe, rising imports, and enhanced logistics performance indicates a structural strengthening of India's position in global trade. The diversified and resilient nature of India's export basket, coupled with better connectivity and dependable shipping schedules, is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage for Indian businesses.
As global uncertainty continues, India's trade narrative appears well-positioned with resilient demand patterns, diversified export capabilities, and improving supply-chain reliability forming the foundation for sustained growth.
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