Drewry: Intra Asia Container Index Down Last Week

Drewry reported a $26 decrease in the Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) to $1,478 per 40ft container last week. However, spot rates for intra-Asia trade remained inconsistent, with some routes experiencing price increases while others declined due to improving port congestion and eased operational constraints.

The IACI dropped as congestion improved across major Chinese ports, leading to rate reductions on routes such as Shanghai–Jakarta and Shanghai–Busan. For instance, rates to Jakarta fell by 8% to $2,538 per 40ft container, and rates to Busan declined by 2% to $1,132 per 40ft container. Vessel waiting times at Shanghai eased from 36 to 35 hours, while Qingdao saw a significant improvement from 35 to 23 hours.

Conversely, congestion intensified at major transhipment hubs like Singapore, causing Shanghai–Singapore rates to surge by 9% WoW to $2,064 per 40ft container. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern tensions continued to keep Shanghai–Jebel Ali rates high at $8,199 per 40ft container.

Additionally, Drewry predicts rates will remain stable in the coming weeks as demand remains strong, prompting carriers to introduce new services and adding to market volatility. OOCL is set to launch its new China–Indonesia Service (CIS4) on 22 November 2026, connecting Qingdao, Shanghai, Nansha, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Singapore, enhancing connectivity and network coverage.

Geopolitical tensions and weather disruptions pose risks for intra-Asia trade, with port closures and vessel delays potentially restricting capacity and increasing freight rates. Escalating Middle East tensions and US strikes against Iran further support high freight rates. The IACI is currently around 135% higher than a year earlier, underscoring the significant rise in regional shipping costs.