For Visakhapatnam, the sea has always been an economic lifeline — a catalyst for the development of this coastal city in Andhra Pradesh. From steel and petroleum to minerals and coal, the port has long defined the rhythm of local businesses. The latest cargo numbers from Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) suggest this maritime engine of growth is gathering momentum.
In 2025-26, exports handled by the port rose 19.4 per cent to 33.67 million tonnes year-on-year, while imports grew 5.5 per cent to 57.45 million tonnes, underlining the city’s prominence in India’s trade and logistics map.
For businesses in and around Visakhapatnam, the surge signals stronger industrial activity, improved cargo movement and renewed demand across sectors. “The growth momentum was broad-based across bulk, break-bulk and liquid cargo segments, underlining the port’s capability to efficiently handle diverse cargo profiles and cater to evolving trade requirements,” M Angamuthu, Chairperson, VPA, told businessline.
The story behind the numbers is one of diversification.
Crude oil emerged as one of the biggest drivers of cargo growth, posting a 15 per cent increase to signal the region’s continuing importance in petroleum and energy logistics. Iron ore and pellets cargo recorded 13.9 per cent growth, pointing to sustained demand from metal and manufacturing sectors, while thermal coal volumes doubled. Other commodities, such as alumina and anthracite coal, also posted notable gains, indicating the widening industrial base that the port now serves.
For Vizag, this growth feeds directly into the local economy. Higher cargo throughput means increased activity for shipping agents, transport operators, warehousing companies, customs intermediaries and thousands of port-linked workers.
It also mirrors the city’s larger economic aspirations. With its strategic location on the East Coast, strong rail-road connectivity and proximity to industrial corridors, Visakhapatnam is increasingly positioning itself as a gateway for eastern and central India’s trade flows.
“By enhancing efficiency and expanding our cargo basket, Visakhapatnam Port Authority is well positioned to support India’s growing maritime and economic ambitions, and play a pivotal role in driving regional and national economic growth,” Angamuthu said.
As Vizag pushes for greater investments in industry, logistics and maritime infrastructure, the port remains at the heart of its growth story — every rise in tonnage often translates into broader business confidence onshore.
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Published on April 6, 2026