Drewry: Intra Asia Container Index Moving Higher

Drewry reports that the Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) has risen $6 to $1,459 per 40ft container. This stability is evident across most shipping lanes, as carriers extended rates for the second fortnight. The index remains steady despite congestion easing due to reduced cargo volumes and blank sailings.

Spot rates from Greater China to Southeast, Northeast, and South Asia have largely remained stable, except for the Shanghai–Busan and Shanghai–Kaohsiung routes. Rates from Shanghai to Busan increased 14% to $1,135 per container, while rates to Kaohsiung rose 8% to $1,313 per container. Waiting times at Busan and Singapore ports also increased, with Busan up from 23 to 31 hours and Singapore from 10 to 12 hours.

The Golden Week offered ports the chance to clear backlog, improving schedule reliability. Waiting times at Shanghai, Ningbo, and Tanjung Pelepas fell from 58 to 38 hours, 40 to 34 hours, and 34 to 21 hours, respectively.

However, tensions in the Middle East kept rates at Shanghai–Jebel Ali high at $8,451 per container. Drewry anticipates rates to stay stable, though increased capacity could put upward pressure on supply and market stability.

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is launching a new service from Busan to Jakarta starting November 5, strengthening its Straits–Indonesia network. Two vessels of 1,900–2,600 teu will call at Singapore, Laem Chabang, and Jakarta.

The intra-Asia container freight market has been resilient this year, with the index surging 188% year-over-year. High bunker costs and US–Iran tensions have pushed rates up, with Brent crude prices staying around $100 per barrel.