## Company Profile BLUELINE FREIGHT FORWARDERS — Managing Partner: Mr. Joby Mani. Category: Freight forwarder (India). Likely a small-to-mid-size Indian forwarding agency offering international freight forwarding (FCL/LCL), consolidation, customs clearance, documentation and door-to-door services for exporters and importers. Public profile is limited (ForwardersPages listing), suggesting a regional operator focused on India-origin export cargo (agri/seafood, textiles, packaged food) and trade lanes to Middle East, Europe, SE Asia and the US. Scale: not stated publicly; typical of independent forwarders that serve SME exporters and processors rather than multinational shippers. ## Pain Points 1) Route and schedule volatility: resumed Suez access has improved transit times, but carriers still rely on blank sailings and alliance-managed capacity — forwarders must constantly rebook or manage splits for small exporters, increasing operational load and customer churn. 2) Market diversification pressure for agri/seafood exporters: US tariffs and falling US demand for shrimp/processed foods are forcing exporters to find buyers in EU, China and SE Asia quickly; forwarders lack buyer-introduction capabilities and market intelligence to convert these exporters into new-corridor bookings. 3) Seasonal and commodity-specific complexity: re‑efer capacity, cold-chain timing, minimum export prices and regulatory shifts (e.g., rice MEPs removed in 2024 but short-term disruptions to Gulf buyers in Mar 2026) make it hard for small exporters to execute shipments reliably; forwarders bear the cost and reputational risk when shipments are delayed or markets shift. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – INDIA CONTAINER SHIPPING MARKET 2026 === **Overall 2026 market context (South Asia / India)** - A March 2026 South Asia container market report notes that container trade growth turned positive again in late‑2025 and early‑2026 as Red Sea disruptions eased and latent capacity re‑entered the market. Blank sailings are still being used “to underpin supply discipline,” but the number of services and average vessel size on India–Europe/South Asia–Europe routes has increased. Average vessel size on key South Asia routes grew about 6% between Oct 2024 and Oct 2025, while effective capacity on some westbound legs (Asia/South Asia → Europe) rose ~25% and eastbound ~54%. ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Freight rate and routing environment (Red Sea / Suez, India-Europe & India–US East Coast)** - Red Sea risks receded after a Gaza ceasefire in Oct 2025; the Houthis paused attacks, and major lines resumed Suez routings in early 2026. Maersk resumed Red Sea/Suez transits in January 2026, with Maersk Sebarok and Maersk Denver among the first ships documented crossing successfully. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houthi_attacks_on_commercial_vessels?utm_source=openai)) - A January 2026 research briefing from NYK indicates: - Asia/Red Sea and Asia/Europe Suez routings had already resumed in 2025. - India–US East Coast services also resumed *round‑trip* Suez Canal transits from January 2026, reducing the need for Cape of Good Hope diversions and shortening transit times vs 2024–2025 peaks. ([nyk.com](https://www.nyk.com/english/ir/library/investors/2/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2026/01/30/20260120_research_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - As a result, India–Europe and India–USEC spot rates that had spiked during the peak Red Sea crisis in late‑2024/early‑2025 have been softening in 2026 as capacity normalizes. (Most recent sources comment on capacity and routing; they infer downward pressure on rates but do not publish an India‑only index level.) ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Blank sailings and schedule reliability** - The 2026 South Asia container report notes that carriers continue to rely on **blank sailings** to manage utilization and keep rate levels from collapsing as Red Sea capacity comes back. Blank sailings remain above 2019 levels but below the worst of 2020–2021. ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Under the new **Gemini Cooperation** (Maersk–Hapag‑Lloyd alliance), services such as the IMX (India–Middle East–Med) are being re‑routed through the Red Sea/Suez with naval escort but with an explicit focus on “industry‑leading schedule reliability,” suggesting a shift from ad‑hoc blankings toward more stable, alliance‑planned capacity management. ([hapag-lloyd.com](https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/news/2026/02/hapag-lloyd-and-maersk-to-transit-red-sea-with-imx-service.html?utm_source=openai)) **New / reshaped India–Europe services and transshipment patterns** - **CMA CGM India–Med service (India–Europe corridor via Middle East & Med):** - As of Q1 2026, CMA CGM has reshaped its India–Mediterranean service. New rotation: Abu Dhabi – Jebel Ali – Mundra – Nhava Sheva – **Colombo** – Jeddah – Port Said – Piraeus – Malta – Genoa – Beirut – Port Said – Jeddah – Abu Dhabi. ([cargoinsights.co](https://cargoinsights.co/cma-cgm-reshapes-india-med-maritime-service-to-streamline-cargo-operations/?utm_source=openai)) - Voyage duration cut from **~70 days to 63 days**, improving transit times for Indian exports to Mediterranean Europe and reinforcing **Colombo** and Middle East hubs (Jeddah, Port Said) as key transshipment nodes for India–Europe cargo. ([cargoinsights.co](https://cargoinsights.co/cma-cgm-reshapes-india-med-maritime-service-to-streamline-cargo-operations/?utm_source=openai)) - The South Asia container report highlights **new weekly services** launched to the South Asia–Europe route, “specifically focusing on increased connectivity between India, the Middle East, and both Northern and Mediterranean Europe.” This implies more direct sailings/co‑loading from India via Gulf/Red Sea hubs into North Europe and Med, reducing dependence on purely Singapore‑based transshipment. ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Colombo as a transshipment hub:** - The CMA CGM rotation above explicitly retains **Colombo** as a key call between India and the Red Sea/Med, confirming its continued role as a primary transshipment hub for Indian exports into Europe in 2026, despite prior speculation that congestion and political uncertainty might shift volume elsewhere. ([cargoinsights.co](https://cargoinsights.co/cma-cgm-reshapes-india-med-maritime-service-to-streamline-cargo-operations/?utm_source=openai)) **India–US direct services (esp. US East Coast)** - The NYK January 2026 analysis states that **India–US East Coast services via Suez** have resumed *round‑trip* transits from Jan 2026, reversing many of the Cape routings widely used during the Red Sea crisis. ([nyk.com](https://www.nyk.com/english/ir/library/investors/2/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2026/01/30/20260120_research_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - While the publicly available summary does not list branded loops (e.g., Maersk TP series) by name, it confirms that India–USEC container services are again relying on Suez, effectively restoring more “direct” India–US strings (India–Middle East–Med–USEC) with competitive transit times vs. 2024–2025. ([nyk.com](https://www.nyk.com/english/ir/library/investors/2/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2026/01/30/20260120_research_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Alliances and Gemini Cooperation impact (2026)** - The **Gemini Cooperation** between Maersk and Hapag‑Lloyd (operational 2025/2026) is reshaping service design on India–Middle East–Med corridors. Hapag‑Lloyd’s Feb 2026 IMX announcement shows joint decisions on routing (return to Red Sea/Suez) and naval‑escorted sailings, illustrating how alliances now coordinate both capacity *and* security risk management for India‑related trades. ([hapag-lloyd.com](https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/news/2026/02/hapag-lloyd-and-maersk-to-transit-red-sea-with-imx-service.html?utm_source=openai)) - Market analysts comment that increased alliance‑level coordination plus resumed Suez access is releasing “trapped capacity back into the market,” helping normalize India‑linked freight rates but maintaining some pricing power via selective blank sailings. ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] – 2026 INDIA EXPORT/IMPORT VOLUME TRENDS BY CORRIDOR === **Macro trade growth 2025–26 (goods + services)** - India’s total exports (goods + services) in FY 2025–26 reached **US$860.09 billion**, up **5.79%** from US$812.52 billion in FY 2024–25. Imports rose faster to **US$979.40 billion**, a **6.47%** y/y increase. ([india-briefing.com](https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-export-import-trade-data-fy-2025-26-44190.html?utm_source=openai)) - For April 2025–February 2026, exports were **US$790.86 billion** and imports **US$899.11 billion**; Feb 2026 exports alone were **US$76.13 billion** (+11.05% y/y), imports **US$80.09 billion**. ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/news/india-s-exports-grow-5-79-to-us-790-86-billion-between-april-2025-february-2026?utm_source=openai)) **Corridor-level dynamics (US, EU, Middle East, SE Asia)** - **US:** - The US remains India’s **#1 export destination** and **#4 import partner.** ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/indian-exports/india-us-trade?utm_source=openai)) - Export basket to US is dominated by **electrical machinery** (US$23.7B), **pharmaceuticals** (US$9.1B), **machinery/boilers** (US$6.6B), **gems & jewellery** (US$6.5B) and **mineral fuels** (US$3.7B) in FY 2025–26 (to Nov 2025). Edible fruits and nuts are a key agri‑type import from US into India (~US$956M). ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/indian-exports/india-us-trade?utm_source=openai)) - In seafood, despite the US being the single largest country market, **India’s seafood exports to the US fell 14.15% in value and 19.8% in volume in 2025–26**, reflecting US tariff measures and softer shrimp prices/demand. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - **EU:** - India’s seafood exports to the EU grew in 2025–26 and, along with China and SE Asia, supported an overall **11.2% increase** in seafood export value to **US$8.28B** (₹72,325 crore). ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - Electronics, engineering goods and chemicals also show strong growth into Europe; India’s electronics exports overall rose **35.1% y/y** in Apr–Dec 2025 (to US$35.3B). A significant portion is destined for the US and EU as India integrates deeper into Western supply chains. ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/economy/trade-and-external-sector?utm_source=openai)) - **Middle East:** - Traditionally a key energy and agri destination; recent data show a **relative** decline in the Middle East’s share of India’s trade, driven by lower energy prices rather than volume drops, but hydrocarbons and some agri flows (e.g., rice) remain strong. ([mckinsey.com](https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/geopolitics-and-the-geometry-of-global-trade-2026-update?utm_source=openai)) - New South Asia–Europe loops via Abu Dhabi/Jebel Ali/Jeddah/Port Said link Indian exports more tightly into Gulf/Red Sea transshipment hubs, which channel cargo to both Europe and North Africa/Middle East consumption markets. ([cargoinsights.co](https://cargoinsights.co/cma-cgm-reshapes-india-med-maritime-service-to-streamline-cargo-operations/?utm_source=openai)) - **Southeast Asia (SE Asia):** - McKinsey 2026 trade analysis notes ASEAN economies expanded trade with all regions in 2025, with manufactured exports up **~14%** and imports **~11%**; India’s trade with ASEAN is growing, particularly in minerals and chemicals, but also in food commodities and seafood. ([mckinsey.com](https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/geopolitics-and-the-geometry-of-global-trade-2026-update?utm_source=openai)) - India’s seafood exports saw strong demand from **China and SE Asia**, which helped offset weaker US demand; these regions contributed materially to the 11.2% y/y rise in seafood export value. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) **Key commodity groups & corridors – 2025–26 signals** _Agri commodities (rice, spices, seafood)_ - **Rice (basmati / non‑basmati):** - India lifted most export restrictions on rice during 2024, removing bans and duties on several categories by the start of MY 2024/25. Non‑basmati white rice (HS 1006.30.90) was taken off the prohibited list on **28 Sep 2024** (initially with a minimum export price), and by early 2025 non‑basmati exports were liberalized further. ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) - Export offers for benchmark non‑basmati **IR‑64 5% parboiled FOB Mundra** rose from **US$359/t in Nov 2025 to US$365/t in Feb 2026** (~+2%), with demand rebounding after restrictions were eased. ([bigmint.co](https://www.bigmint.co/insights/detail/indian-non-basmati-export-offers-rise-amid-rising-demand-stronger-inr-725044?utm_source=openai)) - Despite this, **rice export volumes dipped in March 2026**, attributed to the “West Asia crisis” affecting some key Middle East buyers and logistics. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-s-marine-product-exports-up-rice-down-in-fy26-trade-data-126041601123_1.html?utm_source=openai)) - **Spices (pepper, cardamom, others):** - Recent trade summaries (late‑2025/early‑2026) describe **steady to slightly rising** exports of spices, particularly value‑added spice mixes and processed products to the US, EU and Middle East; however, pepper and cardamom volumes are constrained by domestic availability and competition from Vietnam/Guatemala. (These sources provide directional commentary but limited up‑to‑date numeric detail; commodity‑specific data remain mostly at FY 2023–24 level.) ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/economy/trade-and-external-sector?utm_source=openai)) - **Seafood / shrimp:** - Overall seafood exports in 2025–26: **US$8.28B**, **+11.2% y/y**, volumes at **1.93 million tonnes** (19.32 lakh MT). ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - Frozen shrimp is the dominant item, accounting for roughly **two‑thirds** of export earnings (~US$5.5–5.8B equivalent; one industry note gives ₹47,973 crore). ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - Corridor split: US (largest single destination but declining y/y), with rising shares for **China, EU and SE Asia**, signaling a diversification of demand away from US‑centric dependence. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) _Industrial commodities (textiles, chemicals, etc.)_ - **Textiles & apparel:** - Detailed 2026 corridor figures are sparse in the last 90 days, but commentary from India Briefing and McKinsey suggests that textiles are increasingly tilting towards **US and EU** markets under “China+1” sourcing shifts. Exports are facing margin pressure from energy and wage costs but benefiting from trade diversification. ([india-briefing.com](https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-export-import-trade-data-fy-2025-26-44190.html?utm_source=openai)) - **Chemicals & pharmaceuticals:** - Chemicals, engineering goods and electronics are important drivers of India’s export growth in FY 2025–26. IBEF notes strong performance in **chemicals** and **agri‑based products** among others, contributing to the April 2025–Feb 2026 export increase. ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/news/india-s-exports-grow-5-79-to-us-790-86-billion-between-april-2025-february-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Pharmaceuticals are a core export to the US and EU; India Briefing highlights services plus high‑value manufactured exports (including pharma and specialty chemicals) as central to the 5.8% export growth. ([india-briefing.com](https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-export-import-trade-data-fy-2025-26-44190.html?utm_source=openai)) **Seasonality and demand surges 2025–26** - **Rice:** shipments typically peak before the main festival/consumption seasons in Asia and the Middle East; 2025–26 data show higher export offer prices and strong Q4 2025 demand after bans were lifted, followed by localized weakness in March 2026 due to West Asia tensions. ([bigmint.co](https://www.bigmint.co/insights/detail/indian-non-basmati-export-offers-rise-amid-rising-demand-stronger-inr-725044?utm_source=openai)) - **Seafood:** FY 2025–26 exports benefited from strong Q3–Q4 2025 orders from China and EU ahead of winter/holiday demand, while US volumes remained subdued throughout, consistent with tariff and inventory overhang issues. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - **Electronics and engineering goods:** show structurally rising exports rather than strong seasonality, driven by ongoing integration into US/EU/Japan–Korea supply chains; the 35% y/y rise in electronics exports in Apr–Dec 2025 underpins this trend. ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/economy/trade-and-external-sector?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [COMMODITY TRENDS] – 2026 INDIAN AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS (RICE, SPICES, PEPPER, CARDAMOM, SEAFOOD, SHRIMP, CASHEW, MANGO) === **Overall agri export performance** - India’s agricultural exports in 2025–26 reached **US$53.1 billion**, up **2.3% y/y**, despite new US tariffs on certain products. Key growth categories included fresh and processed fruits and vegetables; some sectors (notably basmati rice and processed F&V) saw declines to the US market after tariff hikes (Aug 2025–Feb 2026). ([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) --- #### Rice (Basmati & non‑basmati) **Policy / restrictions** - During 2022–23 India imposed bans and duties on various rice categories; through 2024 it **gradually removed most export restrictions**. By late‑2024: - Non‑basmati white rice (HS 1006.30.90) exports were allowed again from **28 Sep 2024**, initially subject to an MEP of US$490/t. ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) - USDA’s 2025 Grain & Feed Annual notes that at the start of **MY 2024/25**, India had effectively **removed the export ban on non‑basmati white rice (HS 1006.30.90) without MEP restrictions**, while also easing other measures on parboiled and broken rice. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Grain+and+Feed+Annual_New+Delhi_India_IN2025-0023&utm_source=openai)) **Prices and trade flows (2025–26)** - BigMint data: **IR‑64 5% parboiled FOB Mundra** up from **US$359/t (Nov 2025)** to **US$365/t (Feb 2026)** (~2% increase) driven by stronger export demand and a firmer rupee. ([bigmint.co](https://www.bigmint.co/insights/detail/indian-non-basmati-export-offers-rise-amid-rising-demand-stronger-inr-725044?utm_source=openai)) - Business Standard reports that **rice exports dipped in March 2026** due to the “West Asia crisis” affecting some key Middle East buyers and logistics. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-s-marine-product-exports-up-rice-down-in-fy26-trade-data-126041601123_1.html?utm_source=openai)) - To the US, basmati rice exports fell from **US$337.1M to US$285.9M** in 2025–26 after US tariff actions, indicating both price and volume pressure in that corridor. ([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) --- #### Spices (including pepper, cardamom) - Recent macro trade updates (Jan–Apr 2026) treat spices as part of a broader “agri‑based products” basket that has shown positive export performance, but high‑frequency spice‑specific statistics are limited. IBEF notes that **agri‑based products including spices** contributed to export growth in April 2025–Feb 2026. ([ibef.org](https://www.ibef.org/economy/trade-and-external-sector?utm_source=openai)) - From 2024–25 into 2025–26, industry and policy reports describe: - **Pepper:** domestic output constrained, with India increasingly importing from Vietnam to meet internal demand; export volumes are therefore modest. - **Cardamom:** more oriented to high‑value niche markets (Middle East, some EU), with exports sensitive to domestic price spikes and weather‑linked production variability. - Export trend is more **value‑driven** (premium grades, blends) rather than volume expansion. (These are synthesized from 2024/early‑2025 FAO/ITC/Spices Board discussions as recent 90‑day sources give only directional, not numerical, updates.) ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) --- #### Seafood and shrimp - **Total seafood exports 2025–26:** - Value: **US$8.28B**, **+11.2% y/y**. - Volume: **1.93 million tonnes** (19.32 lakh MT). ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - **Shrimp:** - Remains the core product; MPEDA‑based commentary indicates shrimp generates **about two‑thirds** of seafood export earnings, roughly **₹47,973 crore** (~US$5.7B, depending on FX). ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/exportersindia/comments/1stdewg/indias_seafood_exports_hit_record_72325_cr_in_fy/?utm_source=openai)) - Calendar‑year 2025 shrimp exports reached **~800,000 tonnes**, near record levels, with “a sizeable share” to the US and Europe despite logistics disruptions. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-s-marine-product-exports-up-rice-down-in-fy26-trade-data-126041601123_1.html?utm_source=openai)) - **Destination trends:** - **US:** value down **14.15%** and volume down **19.8%** in 2025–26 for marine products, reflecting both price pressure and tariff impacts. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - **China, EU, SE Asia:** strong growth, helping lift total seafood exports by double digits. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) --- #### Cashew - Recent 90‑day publications focus more on total agri exports than on cashew specifically; however, 2024/early‑2025 data indicate India remains a major **cashew processed‑kernel exporter** (notably to US, EU and Middle East) while increasingly **importing raw nuts** from Africa and elsewhere for processing. - In 2025‑26, cashew is mentioned within “processed fruits and nuts” categories affected by US tariffs; processed F&V exports to the US fell from **US$274.3M to US$214M**, suggesting some drag on high‑value nut/fruit product shipments into that corridor. ([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) --- #### Mango and processed mango products - Fresh and processed fruits & vegetables are highlighted as “key export products” in 2025‑26 agri trade, with India’s overall fruit & veg exports growing despite US tariffs. ([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) - Mango (fresh) plus processed mango (pulp, juices, purees) are important components of these exports, especially to the **Middle East, EU and some Asian markets**. - US tariff increases between Aug 2025 and Feb 2026 reduced exports of some processed fruit products to the US, but aggregate fruit & veg exports across all markets still grew, implying compensating demand from non‑US destinations. ([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) --- #### Summary of price movements & constraints (cross-commodity) - **Rice:** mild upward price trend (IR‑64 5% PB +2% over 4 months) amid liberalized export policy; short‑term volume softness to West Asia in March 2026 due to regional crisis. ([bigmint.co](https://www.bigmint.co/insights/detail/indian-non-basmati-export-offers-rise-amid-rising-demand-stronger-inr-725044?utm_source=openai)) - **Seafood/shrimp:** higher export values (+11.2%) despite lingering price pressure in the US market, thanks to volume and market diversification (China, EU, SE Asia). ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?utm_source=openai)) - **Spices (pepper/cardamom):** constrained by domestic supply and competition; 2026 trend is stability to slight growth in value, not a large volume upswing. ([oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2025_a80ac398-en/full-report/india_a08610a6?utm_source=openai)) - **Processed fruits, cashew, basmati rice to US:** negatively impacted by US tariff hikes, showing lower export values to that single market even as global exports of many of these items hold up. ([freshplaza.com](https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9836674/indian-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-grow-despite-u-s-tariffs/?utm_source=openai)) If you’d like, I can next translate these findings into corridor‑specific demand outlooks (TEU estimates by commodity and lane) or into implications for contract vs spot freight strategy for India‑origin agri shippers in 2026–27. 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