Adani Ports hits record high as August cargo throughput crosses 50 million tonnes

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) recorded its strongest-ever monthly cargo performance in August, handling 50 million tonnes, as robust domestic demand, rising container traffic and a diversified cargo portfolio propelled volumes to a new high.

The latest figure represents a 19 per cent year-on-year increase from the 41.9 million tonnes handled in August last year, underscoring the port operator's continued expansion despite an increasingly complex global trade environment.

Growth during the month was broad-based. Dry cargo volumes surged 25 per cent year-on-year, while container volumes climbed 15 per cent, supported by increased movement of commodities such as coal, iron ore, limestone and other minerals.

APSEZ's international operations also strengthened the overall performance. North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) in Queensland, Australia, contributed to the growth, while Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) in Sri Lanka continued its ramp-up. Key domestic and international gateways, including Mundra, Krishnapatnam and Dar es Salaam, also registered higher volumes.

The August milestone caps a strong opening five months of FY27. APSEZ handled 43.1 million tonnes in April, 48.3 million tonnes in May, 46.8 million tonnes in June and 46.3 million tonnes in July before crossing the 50-million-tonne mark in August.

Cumulative cargo throughput for April-August reached 234.4 million tonnes, marking a 16 per cent increase over the corresponding period a year earlier. Dry cargo volumes rose 17%, while container volumes expanded 15 per cent.

The performance comes against the backdrop of resilient economic activity in India. The country's real GDP grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter of FY27, with manufacturing expanding 9.2% and services registering 10 per cent growth.

Beyond India's domestic demand, changing global trade routes and supply-chain strategies are reshaping cargo flows. Geopolitical tensions and efforts by businesses to diversify sourcing and logistics networks are increasing the importance of ports capable of handling multiple cargo categories and serving a wide range of trade corridors.

APSEZ's integrated network of ports, marine services and logistics assets positions it to benefit from these shifts. Its logistics operations provide inland connectivity between ports and consumption and production centres, further strengthening its cargo-handling ecosystem.

Rail volumes in August stood at 54,131 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 6% from July, highlighting continued momentum in the company's integrated logistics operations.

The record monthly performance adds further weight to APSEZ's long-term expansion strategy. The company is targeting annual cargo-handling capacity of 1 billion tonnes by FY31, with its growing domestic and international footprint expected to play a key role in achieving that ambition.