• East African container freight remains firm amid persistent port congestion
• West African trade reshaped by Benin import curbs and Conakry logistics disruptions

India’s rice freight market witnessed a mixed trend in the week ended 15 July 2026. Container freight remained firm on East African routes, supported by persistent port congestion and operational bottlenecks, while breakbulk sentiment was mixed across West Africa amid destination-specific challenges. Logistics disruptions, evolving trade policies, and carrier constraints continued to shape freight activity, although cargo movement to Africa remained steady.

Seasonal rainfall disrupted inland logistics across parts of West Africa, particularly in Conakry, where slower cargo evacuation and poor road connectivity affected supply chain efficiency. Meanwhile, congestion at major African ports, coupled with policy changes such as Benin’s import restrictions, continued to influence freight sentiment, with exporters closely monitoring vessel availability and carrier schedules.

West Africa trade remains active despite operational hurdles

Freight sentiment across West Africa remained uneven during the week. While shipment activity continued towards key destinations, weather-related disruptions, import policy changes and destination-specific challenges influenced market dynamics.

A shipbroker told BigMint, “Vessel movements to Conakry remain heavily disrupted due to persistent rainfall. The port is operational, but poor inland road conditions have slowed cargo evacuation, and several carriers are avoiding the route for now.”

Developments in Benin remained under close watch after import restrictions limited shipments to six government-authorised importers. “Import restrictions in Benin continue to weigh on Cotonou-bound shipments. With imports limited to six government-authorised importers, some exporters are now exploring Togo as an alternative destination”, another shipbroker added.

Despite these developments, cargo enquiries towards other West African destinations remained steady, preventing any significant slowdown in regional trade flows.

Route-wise update

East Africa container market strengthens

Container freight remained firm on East African routes during the week, supported by port congestion and longer vessel turnaround times. Mombasa continued to witness operational delays, keeping carrier pricing elevated despite regular fixture activity.

A charterer said, “Berthing delays and congestion at Mombasa are extending vessel turnaround times, keeping container freight rates on the route elevated.”

Freight towards Tamatave and Berbera remained supported by carrier constraints and steady cargo movement, while booking activity stayed cautious amid destination-side uncertainty.

A rice trader mentioned, “The container market is relatively slow at present. While domestic rice prices have strengthened, uncertainty at destination markets has kept booking activity cautious, although freight offers for loaded containers remain elevated.”

Non-basmati rice export prices rise 5% w-o-w

BigMint’s assessment for Non-Basmati Parboiled Rice (IR-64 5% PB), FOB Kakinada increased by $17/tonne (t) w-o-w to $360/t as on 15 Jul’26, compared with $343/t in the previous week. The gain was supported by stronger buying interest from African markets, firmer domestic prices and elevated freight offers on key container routes.

Outlook

Rice freight sentiment is expected to remain supported in the near term as congestion at East African ports, weather-related logistics disruptions in West Africa and evolving import policies continue to influence trade flows. Market participants will closely monitor carrier deployment, vessel availability, destination-specific regulations and cargo enquiries for further direction.

Published Date: July 16, 2026