No drop in overall port cargo shipments despite high US tariff: Sonowal

THOOTHKUNDI: Amid concerns over the impact of a 50% US tariff on Indian products, shipping and ports minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that there has been no reduction in overall cargo shipments from India.

“We are capable of handling any challenge. There has been no reduction in cargo handled by major ports in India so far,” he said, in response to a question. Minister said domestic consumption and India’s success in bilateral trade agreements with countries have opened new avenues for Indian products.

Indian ports serve as the lifeline of the country’s international trade, handling nearly 85% of EXIM (Export-Import) cargo by volume and over 70% by value.

Sonowal was interacting with reporters after inaugurating and laying foundation stone for multiple projects worth over Rs 350 crore at V O Chidambaranar Port, including the country's first port-based green hydrogen pilot project. The 10 Nm³/hr pilot facility will generate green hydrogen to power street lights and an electric vehicle charging station in the port colony. The port targets to achieve green port tag by this year end. The foundation stone laid on Friday for a pilot green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility of 750 m³ capacity is aligned with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin, the shipping ministry said.

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