No drop in port cargo despite US tariff: Sonowal

Union Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India’s port cargo volumes remain steady despite the recent 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian products.

“We are capable of handling any challenge. There has been no reduction in cargo handled by major ports in India so far,” Sonowal told reporters, attributing the resilience to strong domestic consumption and new opportunities created through bilateral trade agreements.

Indian ports handle nearly 85% of the country’s export-import (EXIM) cargo by volume and over 70% by value, making them a critical pillar of international trade.

The minister was speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹350 crore at V O Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu. Among them is the country’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot project, a 10 Nm³/hr facility designed to power street lights and an electric vehicle charging station in the port colony. The port aims to secure “green port” certification by the end of this year.

Sonowal also laid the foundation for a pilot green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility with a capacity of 750 m³. The initiative aligns with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin, which seeks to accelerate India’s transition toward cleaner maritime operations. “These projects underline our commitment to sustainable shipping and port operations, while ensuring trade growth is not hampered by external shocks,” the minister added.