INDIA AND PAKISTAN TRADE RESTRICTIONS: IMPACT ON SOUTH ASIA FREIGHT ROUTINGS
New trade directives from India and Pakistan are reshaping container logistics across the South Asia–U.S. trade lanes. In recent days, both governments have issued new restrictions that not only halt bilateral trade but also affect third-country shipments transiting through either nation—including cargo bound for North America.
Indian ports are currently restricting entry to U.S.-bound vessels carrying export containers originating from Pakistan. Since most carriers servicing this trade lane visit Karachi as their first port of call, affected vessels are being redirected to offload Pakistan-origin cargo prior to entering Indian waters.
India–Pakistan trade restrictions include:
- All Pakistan-origin containers, including empty units, in-transit (ROB), transshipment, and import cargo are now banned
- Vessels carrying Pakistan-origin cargo that departed before the restriction are not permitted to berth at Indian ports until such cargo is discharged elsewhere
- Vessels carrying cargo from other origins bound for Pakistan may still berth
- Prohibited the import or transit of Indian-origin goods, including those moved via third countries and across all modes (sea, land, air)
- Also restricted are exports to India transiting through Pakistani territory
CARRIERS ADJUST TO REDUCE SERVICE DISRUPTIONS
Carriers are actively adjusting operations in response to the new restrictions. Industry-wide efforts include rerouting affected shipments, evaluating alternative transshipment strategies, and reviewing long-term network adjustments to reduce disruption. While some transit delays are possible, most carriers are working to minimize impact.
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