Cement Traffic at Indian Ports Shows Steady Growth in FY 2025-26
India’s cement trade through ports continued its upward trajectory during April–December 2025, reflecting robust domestic demand, growing regional exports, and increasing reliance on coastal shipping. Indian ports handled 6.32 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cement during the nine-month period, compared to 5.68 MMT in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, marking a growth of 0.64 MMT year-on-year.
Strong Growth in Cement Port Traffic
The steady rise in cement volumes highlights the sector’s gradual recovery and expanding trade footprint. Improved infrastructure activity, growing construction demand, and efficient coastal logistics have contributed to increased cargo movement across major Indian ports.
Top Ports Handling Cement Cargo (Apr–Dec 2025)
| Port | Cement Traffic (MMT) |
|---|---|
| Pipavav | 2.36 |
| JNPT | 1.42 |
| Cochin | 0.83 |
| Ulwe Jetty | 0.73 |
| Dharamtar | 0.53 |
| Krishnapatnam | 0.52 |
| Mangalore | 0.25 |
| Bhagwati Bandar | 0.11 |
| Dahej | 0.11 |
| Tuticorin | 0.06 |
| Bedi | 0.05 |
Pipavav Port maintained its leadership position by handling 2.36 MMT of cement cargo, supported by its strategic location and strong coastal connectivity along India’s western coastline. JNPT and Cochin followed as key contributors to cement movement.
Cement Vessel Activity Across Indian Ports
Port activity was further reflected in vessel call numbers during the period:
- Ulwe Jetty: 118 vessel calls
- Pipavav: 71 vessel calls
- Cochin: 49 vessel calls
- Bhagwati Bandar: 43 vessel calls
- Mangalore: 24 vessel calls
- Krishnapatnam: 23 vessel calls
- Dharamtar: 10 vessel calls
- Mumbai: 7 vessel calls
- Porbandar: 3 vessel calls
- Chennai: 2 vessel calls
- JNPT: 55 vessel calls
The growing number of vessel calls indicates increasing confidence in coastal and maritime transportation for cement logistics.
Ultratech Cement Leads Coastal and Export Trade
Ultratech Cement emerged as the dominant player in both coastal shipping and exports during the period.
Cement Exports (Apr–Dec 2025)
| Exporter | Coastal (MMT) | Sri Lanka Exports (MMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Ultratech Cement | 1.92 | 0.38 |
| Penna Cement Industries | 0.39 | 0.04 |
| Ambuja Cement | 0.08 | – |
| Saurashtra Cement | 0.01 | – |
Ultratech exported approximately 0.38 MMT of cement to Sri Lanka, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable supplier to neighboring markets. The company also moved 1.92 MMT through coastal shipping channels, demonstrating the growing importance of maritime logistics in cement distribution.
Rising Cement Imports Signal Expanding Demand
India also witnessed a significant increase in cement imports during April–December 2025. Total imports rose to 3.40 MMT, compared with 2.98 MMT during the same period in the previous year.
Major Cement Importers
| Importer | Coastal (MMT) | EXIM (MMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Ultratech Cement | 2.14 | – |
| Penna Cement Industries | 0.35 | – |
| Ambuja Cement | 0.20 | – |
| Adani Cement Industries | 0.11 | – |
| JSW Group | 0.06 | 0.47 |
| Digvijay Cement | – | 0.05 |
Ultratech Cement once again led import volumes, accounting for the largest share of coastal cement movement.
Key Drivers Behind Growth
Several factors have supported the rise in cement traffic at Indian ports:
- Growing infrastructure and construction projects across India.
- Increased adoption of coastal shipping as a cost-effective logistics solution.
- Strong export demand from neighboring countries such as Sri Lanka.
- Improved port infrastructure and cargo handling capabilities.
- Diversification of cement trade routes and supply chains.
Outlook for India’s Cement Logistics Sector
The latest figures indicate a positive outlook for India’s cement industry and maritime trade ecosystem. Rising consumption, expanding coastal shipping networks, and stronger export performance are enhancing the role of ports in the cement supply chain. As infrastructure investments continue and logistics efficiency improves, Indian ports are expected to play an even larger role in supporting the country’s cement distribution and trade growth.
