Growth in sea cargo handled by Indian ports slipped in 2008-09, as lesser demand for goods in the domestic economy and overseas markets lead to a fall in exports and imports.
Minister of shipping G Vasan on Monday told Lok Sabha that in 2009-09, traffic handled by major Indian ports expanded 2.13%, as against 12% a year ago. Vasan also added that in the period under consideration, container traffic posted a near flat growth of 0.9%, compared to the 25.6%increase seen in the year ago period. Container traffic reflects trade in manufactured items and components.
Slowdown in growth was seen in all major categories of cargo, including iron ore meant for exports.