GPA hails new US–India trade deal to boost cargo

February 6, 2026

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) welcomed a new US–India trade agreement, highlighting its potential to accelerate cargo growth, deepen supply chain links and reinforce Georgia’s role as a key East Coast gateway for Indian trade.

Georgia Ports handled 22 per cent of India’s containerised trade on the U.S. East Coast in fiscal year 2025.

Savannah’s loaded container trade with India rose nearly 48 per cent between FY2021 and FY2025, reaching 304,450 TEUs.

India’s expanding economy underpins this growth. The country is expected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2026, with World Bank forecasts pointing to GDP growth of 6.5 per cent.

With a population of nearly 1.5 billion — 65 per cent under the age of 35 — India offers significant long-term trade potential for US shippers, while also supporting supply chain diversification and cost-competitive sourcing.

The Port of Savannah positions itself as a fast and efficient gateway for Indian cargo moving to US inland markets such as Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville.

Shorter ocean routes to the US East Coast, combined with rapid rail connectivity, deliver competitive end-to-end transit times.

READ: Georgia Ports drive jobs and record cargo throughput

Savannah is served by six weekly vessel services offering direct India connections, and 10 services linking the port to the wider Indian subcontinent.

Eleven ocean carriers operate on these routes, with transit times as short as 29 days. Direct calls include Nhava Sheva/Mumbai, Pipavav and Hazira, alongside additional regional ports such as Colombo.

Cargo discharged at Savannah typically reaches rail within 22 hours, with containers available at many inland destinations by day three.

READ: Georgia Ports deliver second-busiest year on record in 2025

The Mason Mega Rail Terminal handles 42 trains per week, supported by double-stack services from CSX and Norfolk Southern to major US markets.

GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch said: “This is excellent news for American exporters and consumers, for Georgia and for our customers.

“GPA has long thought India will be the key to our future success with the market proximity our U.S. East Coast gateway port offers. In time, this will bring more volumes to Georgia Ports.”

In January, construction on the Blue Ridge Connector reached 95 per cent completion, with Georgia Ports Authority set to open the new inland rail terminal later this year.