Containerized trade between India and China is gaining momentum, supported by strong bilateral volumes and sustained demand across intra-Asia markets. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded US$155 billion in 2025, with Chinese exports to India alone surpassing US$135 billion, according to The Times of India, citing Chinese customs data. The rising trade volumes between India and China strengthen are now translating into tangible capacity and network investments across regional shipping lanes.

According to industry analysts, firm demand combined with elevated ocean freight rates have encouraged regional operators to invest US$1 billion in new vessel orders. Carriers have also deepened regional coverage along the corridor and in the region. As reported by The Loadstar, CULines has launched two additional intra-Asia routes while Sinolines, a state-owned Chinese carrier with a strong presence on India’s east coast, has indicated plans to extend its reach Westward, positioning India as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa.

Mainline carriers such as Maersk are also reinforcing their presence on the trade lane. The ocean carrier has introduced a weekly service linking key East Asian markets with India, which it said would strengthen connectivity between Indian importers and exporters and key manufacturing hubs across Northwest India.

The South China Morning Post reported that India and China together account for over a third of the world’s population and contribute more than 40% of global GDP growth. In 2025, China added around US$1.2 trillion to global economic output, while India contributed US$237 billion. In comparison, the United States added US$1.6 trillion.

Source: The Times of India, The Loadstar, Maersk, South China Morning Post