India’s exporters are witnessing a healthy inflow of Christmas season orders from major overseas markets, but escalating freight disruptions and supply chain bottlenecks are threatening to undermine the country’s export recovery. Delays in vessel schedules, equipment shortages, port congestion, and elevated freight rates are making it increasingly difficult for exporters to meet delivery deadlines for holiday merchandise.
Exporters across sectors such as textiles and garments, handicrafts, toys, home décor, engineering goods, and consumer products have reported strong demand from buyers in the United States, Europe, and other key markets. However, the ongoing logistical challenges are increasing shipping costs and creating uncertainty over timely deliveries during the critical festive sales season.
Industry representatives have warned that prolonged disruptions could erode India’s competitiveness, as overseas buyers may shift orders to suppliers offering more reliable transit schedules. Small and medium-sized exporters are particularly vulnerable, with many facing higher transportation expenses and tighter profit margins amid volatile freight conditions.
The challenges come at a time when India has been seeking to strengthen export growth despite global economic headwinds. Export promotion bodies have urged shipping lines, ports, and government agencies to work together to improve cargo movement, enhance container availability, and ease operational bottlenecks to prevent further disruptions during the peak shipping season.
While robust order books signal continued international demand for Indian products, the industry’s ability to capitalise on the festive export opportunity will largely depend on stabilising logistics networks and ensuring uninterrupted cargo flows. Exporters remain optimistic that coordinated measures to improve freight capacity and supply chain efficiency will help sustain the recovery and support stronger export performance in the months ahead.