🤝 Our business team has successfully completed a six-day visit across the Delhi NCR region, meeting more than 20 long-term Indian agency partners.
This annual trip has been part of our practice for over a decade. Many of the partners we met have worked with us for five years or longer, some since 2018. These face-to-face meetings allow us to exchange real operational insights and stay closely aligned with the local market.
What we observed for the second half of 2026:
📈 Demand remains firmly upward
Indian air import volumes continue to grow. June 2026 recorded a historic high of 364,000 tonnes nationwide (+16% YoY), with international cargo up 19%. Delhi remains the dominant gateway. Strong demand for electronics components, industrial intermediates and battery-related materials from China continues to support this trend. With Diwali falling in mid-to-late October, volumes are expected to rise further from mid-September.
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Rates currently stable, peak-season tightening expected
August rates from China to India remain relatively balanced. However, local partners across the board anticipate clear capacity tightening in September–October, especially at Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Rate increases of 10–20% during the peak period are widely expected. Clients with fixed plans are advised to secure space 1–2 weeks in advance.
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Compliance requirements becoming stricter
BIS compulsory certification continues to expand across more electronics and electrical products. Additional categories will take effect from 1 October 2026 with limited transition time. Non-compliant cargo faces higher inspection rates and potential delays.
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Electronics and special cargo remain the strongest segments
Smartphones, accessories, power banks and other battery-related products continue to lead growth. Industrial project cargo and automotive parts also show steady demand.
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💬 What stood out most during this visit was the consistent feedback from our partners: timely communication and reliable operational follow-up remain the most valued aspects of the relationship.
For us, these annual trips help us stay closely connected to the India market, secure more stable capacity options, and deliver the kind of predictable, responsive support that clients need.
🙏 We look forward to welcoming several of our Indian partners to Shenzhen in September for the return visit.
If you are planning shipments to India in the coming months and would like practical capacity options or market insights, feel free to reach out.