## Company Profile SPARSH INTERNATIONAL — freight forwarder (Mumbai, India). Point contact: Prathamesh Avasarkar, BDM Mumbai (prathamesh@sparshintnl.com). Website: http://www.sparshintnl.com. Offers international freight forwarding, customs clearance, door‑delivery and likely handles containerized agri/food shipments (reefer/seafood, spices, processed foods) on India’s west coast (Nhava Sheva/JNPT) and east coast lanes. Scale not publicly listed on site; appears to be a regional forwarder serving exporters in Maharashtra/Gujarat/Mumbai trading corridors. ## Pain Points 1) Margin compression for Sparsh’s agri/food clients from sharply higher all‑in freight (war/conflict surcharges, EBS) and schedule unreliability on India–Middle East/Europe lanes — forces clients into expensive spot bookings or margin‑eroding air carriage. 2) Reefer capacity and plug‑in scarcity plus periodic port gate congestion at JNPT/Chennai — operational risk for seafood exporters who need guaranteed windows and prioritized handling. 3) Product/regulatory risks for spice exporters (MRLs, organic/compliance segregation) and rice policy curbs that push demand to alternative origins — exporters need buyer diversification, compliance‑matched buyers, and reliable route/contract solutions. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === COMMODITY TRENDS === (Indian agricultural exports 2025–26 – rice, spices, seafood: volumes, prices, policy) **Overall agri & processed exports (APEDA basket, incl. rice & marine products)** - India’s agricultural & processed food exports reached **USD 25.71 bn in FY 2025‑26**, up only **2% YoY**.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - Slower growth is mainly due to **decline in rice exports**, India’s single largest item in the APEDA basket, and disruptions in key Gulf markets (Iran, Saudi Arabia) linked to West Asia conflict and shipping risk.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) #### Rice (non‑basmati & basmati) – exports & price environment **Policy & trade flow context (2025–26):** - India has maintained various **export curbs on non‑basmati rice** (including bans on broken rice and some parboiled categories, plus MEP and duties on others) since 2023, with partial relaxations via government‑to‑government (G2G) channels. These curbs continue to **cap volumes** and support **domestic price stability**, while pushing some demand to competing origins (Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan). (Inference based on continuity from 2023–25 measures; no major reversal reported in 2026 so far.) - As of **March 2026**, rice exports were valued at **USD 0.99 bn for that month**, down **15% YoY**, due to **West Asia conflict and logistics disruptions** affecting shipments to Gulf buyers.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) **Impact on export values/volumes:** - The Financial Express notes that within the APEDA basket, **rice remains the largest contributor by value**, but its shipments **declined in FY 2025‑26**, pulling overall agri export growth down to 2%.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - While precise FY 2025‑26 rice tonnage is not yet fully consolidated publicly, the article implies a **notable YoY fall** from FY 2024‑25 levels, especially to Middle East destinations, with partial offset from African and Asian demand.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) **Price environment and competitors (directional):** - Ongoing Indian restrictions and freight disruption via the Red Sea/Cape of Good Hope have **supported international benchmark prices** for parboiled and white rice; exporters in Thailand and Vietnam have captured some incremental demand at **higher FOBs** versus pre‑2023 averages (inference from global market commentary; 2026 spot data are still consolidating). - Indian exporters with **G2G or quota allotments** continue to realize **price premiums** over domestic MSP‑linked levels, but margins are being squeezed by **freight and insurance cost inflation** (see Red Sea section). #### Spices – exports, product mix, and 2026 trend signals **Recent historical baseline:** - In **FY 2023‑24**, India exported **1.54 million tonnes of spices** with major contribution from **chilli, spice oils & oleoresins, mint products, turmeric, and curry powders**, according to Spices Board.([indianspices.com](https://www.indianspices.com/sites/default/files/Spice%2520Annual%2520Report%25202023-24%2520-%2520Final%2520with%2520Cover%2520%281%29.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Itemwise data for 2023‑24: - **Chilli:** ~**601,000 tonnes**, **USD ~1.51 bn** – the largest spice by value.([dasd.cditproject.org](https://dasd.cditproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Spices-Export-import-2023-24.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Spice oils & oleoresins:** ~**18,762 tonnes**, **USD ~0.50 bn**.([dasd.cditproject.org](https://dasd.cditproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Spices-Export-import-2023-24.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **FY 2024‑25 performance (completed; gives direction entering 2025‑26):** - India’s spice exports reached a record **USD 4.72 bn in FY 2024‑25**, up **6% YoY** from USD 4.46 bn.([glottis.global](https://glottis.global/2025/06/13/indias-spice-exports-hit-4-72-billion-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) - Within this, **chilli exports** recorded **+19% volume** but **‑11% value**, showing **downward price pressure** despite strong physical demand.([glottis.global](https://glottis.global/2025/06/13/indias-spice-exports-hit-4-72-billion-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) **FY 2025‑26 (latest signals as of May 2026):** - A recent analysis based on DGFT/FISS data reports that **India’s total spice exports fell 5.3% in value in FY 2025‑26**, with volumes also contracting, mainly due to **weak shipments of chilli, cumin and fennel** amid softer global demand.([english.gujaratsamachar.com](https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/national/indias-spice-exports-fall-5-3-in-fy26-as-chilli-cumin-shipments-weaken-80217082469.html?utm_source=openai)) - By contrast, **ginger exports rose 14.3% in value and 10.6% in volume**, and **pepper export earnings increased ~10%** despite a small dip in quantity, pointing to **firm to rising unit prices** in those segments.([english.gujaratsamachar.com](https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/national/indias-spice-exports-fall-5-3-in-fy26-as-chilli-cumin-shipments-weaken-80217082469.html?utm_source=openai)) **Spot/seasonal prices & 2026 outlook:** - For **chilli**, Commodity Board reporting for the **April–January 2025‑26 period** indicates: - **Exports up ~18% in volume** (to ~572,800 quintals) and **~3% in value to ~USD 882 m**, suggesting **lower average realization per tonne** vs prior year.([commodity-board.com](https://commodity-board.com/indian-chilli-prices-hold-firm-as-tight-crop-offsets-record-arrivals/?utm_source=openai)) - Market commentary indicates **firm prices** at producing centers due to **smaller new crop**, with the expectation that current stability in export offers will give way to **upward price pressure later in 2026** as tight supply is fully felt.([commodity-board.com](https://commodity-board.com/indian-chilli-prices-hold-firm-as-tight-crop-offsets-record-arrivals/?utm_source=openai)) - A trade‑oriented 2026 outlook piece anticipates **8–10% volume growth in India’s spice exports in calendar 2026**, driven by **Middle East and Southeast Asia**, with organic and certified categories commanding **30–50% price premiums** over conventional.([home2globaltrade.com](https://www.home2globaltrade.com/blog/indian-spice-export-trends-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Regional demand projections for 2026 in that piece: Middle East **+12%**, SE Asia **+8%**, North America **+6%**, Europe **+4%**, Africa **+15%** for Indian spices, particularly cumin, turmeric, cardamom, chilli and blends.([home2globaltrade.com](https://www.home2globaltrade.com/blog/indian-spice-export-trends-2026?utm_source=openai)) **Key implications for 2026:** - Short term (FY 2025‑26) data show **value pressure and product‑mix shifts** (chilli/cumin weaker, ginger/pepper stronger).([english.gujaratsamachar.com](https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/national/indias-spice-exports-fall-5-3-in-fy26-as-chilli-cumin-shipments-weaken-80217082469.html?utm_source=openai)) - Forward‑looking 2026 commentary suggests **recovery in overall spice export volumes**, but with: - Continued **price volatility** in chilli and cumin.([home2globaltrade.com](https://www.home2globaltrade.com/blog/indian-spice-export-trends-2026?utm_source=openai)) - **Tighter pesticide/MRL rules in EU/US**, driving **segmentation** (premium for compliant organic/traceable supply vs discounts or rejections for non‑compliant lots).([home2globaltrade.com](https://www.home2globaltrade.com/blog/indian-spice-export-trends-2026?utm_source=openai)) #### Seafood (marine products) – volumes, value, products, prices **FY 2024‑25 results (MPEDA official):** - MPEDA’s April 2026 press release shows: - **Marine products exports in FY 2024‑25:** **USD 7.45 bn**.([mpeda.gov.in](https://mpeda.gov.in/?utm_source=openai)) - **Frozen shrimp** is the lead product, earning **₹43,334 crore** and accounting for the bulk of value; YOY shrimp exports rose about **6% in USD terms**, with modest quantity growth.([mpeda.gov.in](https://mpeda.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Approved_Press-Release_Note_2024-25.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **FY 2025‑26 (latest data as of April/May 2026):** - Economic Times reporting (April 2026) indicates: - **Seafood exports in 2025‑26:** **₹72,326 crore**, i.e. **USD 8.28 bn**, at **1.932 million tonnes**, marking **+11.2% growth in value** and a strong new record.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) - **Shrimp shipments** increased **4.6% in volume** and **6.35% in value**, reinforcing shrimp’s centrality in the export basket.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) **Price and market environment:** - The 11.2% value growth vs more modest volume gains indicates **improved average unit values**, likely reflecting **better prices in key markets (US, EU, China, Japan) and a shift toward more value‑added formats**.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) - MPEDA’s promotional focus on **value‑added products** and broader presence at international seafood fairs is part of an ongoing strategy to move up the value chain and sustain **firm USD realizations** despite competitive pressure from Ecuador and Vietnam.([mpeda.gov.in](https://mpeda.gov.in/?utm_source=openai)) **Takeaways across rice, spices, seafood for 2025‑26:** - **Rice:** Export volumes/value under pressure due to policy curbs and Middle East disruptions; India still the largest exporter but with **reduced shipments and supportive global prices**.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - **Spices:** 2025‑26 shows **consolidation rather than growth**, with product‑specific divergence and regulatory headwinds, but most forecasts still point to **medium‑term expansion in 2026**, particularly for organic and compliant products.([english.gujaratsamachar.com](https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/national/indias-spice-exports-fall-5-3-in-fy26-as-chilli-cumin-shipments-weaken-80217082469.html?utm_source=openai)) - **Seafood:** Clear **growth story**, with volumes and values hitting record highs in 2025‑26 and firm shrimp prices, even against cost and logistics headwinds.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) **Sources – COMMODITY TRENDS:** ([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) === MARKET EVENTS === (Red Sea / Hormuz security in 2025–26 and impact on India–Middle East shipping, rerouting, freight) #### Nature of the 2025–26 security situation - The Red Sea and adjacent corridors (Bab el‑Mandeb, Gulf of Aden) have seen **persistent security risks since late 2023**, prompting leading carriers (Maersk, MSC, etc.) to **cut or suspend Suez/Red Sea transits and reroute via the Cape of Good Hope**, adding **10–14 days transit time** on Asia–Europe lanes.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) - In **early 2026**, tensions around the **Strait of Hormuz / Arabian Gulf** have further increased risk premia on **India–Gulf–Levant trades**, with reports of additional **war‑risk surcharges and conflict surcharges** being applied on top of already elevated base rates.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) #### Rerouting patterns & operational impact for India–Middle East flows - While many **India–Gulf trades (e.g., Nhava Sheva/JNPT to Jebel Ali, Dammam)** do not require Suez transits, the broader **regional security situation around Hormuz and adjacent sea lanes** has triggered: - **Re‑routing of some services further offshore**, increased convoying/escorts, and occasional blank sailings.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - **Longer effective transit times** on services that connect India with **Red Sea ports, East Mediterranean and North Africa** via Middle East hubs.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) #### Freight rate impact – India–Middle East and related corridors - Maritime Gateway quantifies the cost shock for Indian trade as follows: - For India–Middle East container routes, the **combined effect of base rate hikes + conflict/emergency surcharges** has, in some lanes, **more than doubled the all‑in freight cost per container vs pre‑crisis levels**.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - Across India’s broader trade (including air freight), they report **air cargo rates up ~300%** on some lanes at the height of the security scare, and **sea freight costs up around 50%** on key corridors due to longer routings and surcharges.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - These increases are on top of the 2024 Red Sea–related spike, where global container freight rates on Suez‑linked routes were already reported to be **124–339% above “normal”** in 2024 after large‑scale rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) **Indicative structure of surcharges seen in 2025–26 on India‑related routes (from industry reporting and carrier notices, consolidated in trade press):** - **War Risk / Conflict Surcharge (WRS/ECS):** typically **USD 200–500/TEU** on affected lanes. - **Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)** layered during high‑demand windows (e.g., pre‑Ramadan exports, pre‑Diwali). - **Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS):** introduced/raised due to higher fuel consumption on longer Cape routes (for services that still connect via Suez alternatives). *(Exact quantum varies by carrier/trade; numbers above are directional estimates synthesizing multiple reports; cited article emphasizes the doubling of total cost rather than line‑item breakdown.)*([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) #### Effects on Indian exporters of food & agri products - The Financial Express notes that **agri exports in 2025‑26 were constrained by geopolitical disruptions**, with specific reference to disrupted rice exports to **Iran and Saudi Arabia** – both heavily reliant on shipping routes impacted by Red Sea/Hormuz insecurity.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - For **time‑sensitive and reefer cargoes** (e.g., seafood, fresh produce, some high‑value spices): - Longer transit times and **reefer slot tightness** have translated into **higher freight & plug‑in charges**, and in some cases **shift from sea to air**, at much higher cost (up to 3x according to Maritime Gateway).([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - Exporters report **margin compression**, as the combination of **weak or volatile commodity prices** (e.g., chilli/cumin) and **higher logistics costs** reduces net FOB profitability.([english.gujaratsamachar.com](https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/national/indias-spice-exports-fall-5-3-in-fy26-as-chilli-cumin-shipments-weaken-80217082469.html?utm_source=openai)) #### Strategic responses (2025–26) - Carriers and forwarders serving Indian exporters have: - Increased use of **alternate routings via Cape of Good Hope** for any services transiting to Europe/East Med, with **schedule buffers** built in.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) - Promoted **sea‑air and air‑sea solutions** via Gulf hubs (Dubai, Doha, etc.) for high‑value Indian cargoes, which are now themselves subject to **higher air rates** due to regional risk surcharges.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - Exporters in rice, spices, and seafood are increasingly: - Negotiating **longer validity freight contracts** or **all‑in rate deals** with logistics partners. - Exploring **market diversification** away from highly exposed corridors (e.g., more emphasis on Africa and Southeast Asia for rice and spices, and on US/EU/China for seafood where freight is expensive but still operationally more predictable than conflict zones).([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – MARKET EVENTS:** ([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) === DEMAND SIGNALS === (India container export demand 2026 – seasonality, congestion, Nhava Sheva/Chennai, freight levels) *(Publicly available, up‑to‑the‑minute container‑port‑specific operational data are patchy; below consolidates recent 2026‑dated trade press and port/logistics commentary. Where numbers are not explicitly given, I keep the analysis directional and flag inference.)* #### Overall India container export demand in early 2026 - Industry and logistics commentary for Q1–Q2 2026 indicate that **India’s export container demand remains robust**, supported by: - **Record seafood exports** in FY 2025‑26 (USD 8.28 bn; +11.2% YoY).([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) - Continued strong shipments of **engineering goods, chemicals, textiles, and select food/agri items** despite weakness in some categories such as rice.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - Freight platforms and trade media note that **India–Europe and India–US West Coast rates in 2026 are elevated vs historical averages** due largely to the Red Sea rerouting and equipment imbalances, but **below the extreme peaks of 2021–22**. (Directionally consistent with global rate commentary tied to the Red Sea crisis.)([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) #### Seasonality patterns (2026) – agri/food influence For **containerized agri/food exports**, seasonality still dominates demand peaks: - **Q2 (April–June)**: - **Rice:** Basmati exports typically pick up after the rabi crop, but in 2026, **demand is somewhat muted** due to Gulf disruptions and ongoing Indian curbs; shipments are still substantial but **below what would normally be expected for this season**.([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/agri-amp-processed-food-exports-rise-just-2-in-fy26/4209582/?utm_source=openai)) - **Spices:** Strong seasonal movement of **chilli, turmeric, cumin** following harvest; exporters report **good physical demand**, but some are pacing shipments due to **freight volatility and price uncertainty**.([commodity-board.com](https://commodity-board.com/indian-chilli-prices-hold-firm-as-tight-crop-offsets-record-arrivals/?utm_source=openai)) - **Seafood:** End‑FY 2025‑26 data imply strong shipment momentum into early 2026, particularly for **shrimp**, supporting high reefer container demand.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) - **Q3–Q4 (July–December) – forward expectations:** - Anticipated **peak season uplift** in containers for **festive‑season demand** (Diwali/Christmas) in destination markets, including **spices, processed foods, confectionery, and seafood**. - If security conditions do not normalize, **peak‑season surcharges and equipment shortages** around Indian ports are widely expected by logistics analysts, especially on **Europe, East Med, and US East Coast trades**.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) #### Port‑level signals: Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Chennai *(Specific 2026 congestion metrics are limited in open sources; below uses recent port and trade press info plus inference.)* **Nhava Sheva / JNPT (West Coast):** - JNPT remains India’s largest container port and the principal gateway for **containerized agri/food exports from western and central India** (rice from western clusters, spices from Gujarat/Maharashtra, processed foods, seafood from western coast cold‑stores). - Trade‑press commentary for early 2026 suggests: - **Higher yard utilization and periodic gate congestion** linked to irregular vessel arrivals (from Cape rerouting and blank sailings) rather than sheer volume overload. - **Reefer plug utilization** has been tight at times, particularly when multiple **shrimp/seafood export consignments** coincide with delayed vessel berthing. (Inference based on record seafood exports and general reefer tightness reported globally.)([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) - Operationally, JNPT and terminals have been increasing **stacking capacity and digital appointment systems** to reduce truck queues, but shipping lines still caution exporters on **longer export cut‑off windows and earlier gate‑in** to avoid rollovers. (Summarized from 2025–26 JNPT/terminal notices reported in trade coverage.) **Chennai (East Coast):** - Chennai is a key gateway for **rice (esp. non‑basmati), spices, and seafood** from south/east India. - In 2025–26, trade commentary notes: - **Less acute congestion vs JNPT** but **more sensitivity to schedule changes** on services connecting via **Singapore/Colombo/Middle East hubs** which are themselves experiencing delays. - Exporters face **higher transshipment risk** and hence **longer effective transit times** to Europe and the US compared with pre‑Red Sea‑crisis norms.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) *(Because there is limited numeric congestion data for 2026 in public sources, congestion intensity here is qualitative: “periodic” rather than system‑wide gridlock.)* #### Freight rate levels – 2026 snapshots (directional) While many platforms hide exact real‑time spot numbers behind paywalls, recent articles give **relative changes**: - **India–Middle East (Gulf) container routes (2026):** - All‑in freight cost on some India–Middle East lanes has **more than doubled vs pre‑crisis (pre‑2024) levels**, per Maritime Gateway.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - **Suez/Red Sea–linked deep‑sea trades from India (to Europe/East Med):** - As noted earlier, global analysis of the Red Sea rerouting shows **124–339% freight rate increases** on affected routes vs pre‑disruption baselines.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) - India, being a major origin on Asia–Europe loops, is exposed to similar magnitudes, especially for **Nhava Sheva / Mundra – Europe** services. - **India–US West Coast (via Pacific):** - These routes do not require Suez, but they are impacted by **global equipment imbalances and carrier capacity reallocations**. Trade commentary suggests **moderately elevated spot rates vs 2019–2020**, but **less drastic hikes** than on Suez‑dependent trades. (Inference from global coverage; specific India–USWC figures not explicitly stated in retrieved articles.)([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) #### Net demand signal summary for 2026 - **Export demand:** - Remains **fundamentally strong** for Indian containerized exports in aggregate, underpinned by **record seafood volumes and resilient spices exports**, though **rice volumes are subdued**.([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai)) - **Capacity & congestion:** - **No 2021‑style meltdown**, but **episodic congestion and schedule unreliability** at West Coast ports (JNPT/Mundra) and key hubs (Colombo, Jebel Ali, Singapore) are raising dwell times and uncertainty for exporters.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_lines_of_communication?utm_source=openai)) - **Freight rates:** - **Sustained above pre‑2023 norms**, particularly on **India–Middle East and India–Europe** lanes exposed to Red Sea/Hormuz security, where **all‑in costs are up ~50–100% vs pre‑crisis baseline**; India–US trades are elevated but relatively less extreme.([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/hormuz-crisis-forces-cape-of-good-hope-rerouting-freight-costs-surge-50-air-rates-up-300-for-indian-trade/?utm_source=openai)) - **Exporter behaviour:** - Increasing preference for **longer‑term freight contracts**, **earlier bookings**, and **diversified market mix**, plus a push towards **higher‑value products (e.g., value‑added seafood, organic/processed spices)** that can better absorb elevated logistics costs.([home2globaltrade.com](https://www.home2globaltrade.com/blog/indian-spice-export-trends-2026?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – DEMAND SIGNALS:** ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/seafood-exports-up-11-2-in-2025-26/articleshow/130423199.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=openai))