Tariffs Down, Volumes Up
Under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), tariffs have fallen on more than 85 per cent of Australian exports to India, with 90 per cent set to be duty-free by 2026. The shift is driving a wave of new trade — particularly in grain, wool, metals and wine — as both nations push to deepen supply-chain ties. Carriers are quietly adding capacity on services to Mundra, Nhava Sheva and Chennai to handle the extra lift.
Opportunities – and Growing Pains
Exporters are enjoying stronger demand and better market access, but higher volumes are testing depot and equipment capacity here at home. Importers of Indian manufactured goods and building materials are benefiting from sharper rates and more frequent sailings, though container imbalances and inland haulage costs are starting to creep in. With trade volumes up double-digits year-on-year, pressure on the system is building.
Make the Most of the Boom
- Secure your slot early: High-volume corridors fill fast — get your allocations locked for Q1 2026.
- Get the paperwork right: Check ECTA origin rules and HS codes to ensure tariff-free eligibility.
- Balance the backhaul: Match your import and export flows where possible to cut empty-return costs.
- Think long-term: Use this growth window to negotiate steady multi-season contracts and predictable freight budgets.
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Australia–India ECTA Update (Oct 2025); ABS International Trade Data.
Disclaimer – Market data is from public sources we consider reliable but has not been independently verified; accuracy is not guaranteed