Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) reported a slight decrease of 2% in the first week of January 2026, with the composite index settling at $700 per 40ft container.
While the index remains 15% lower year-over-year, market analysts anticipate a shift in momentum. Due to an extended peak season and tightening capacity across the region, Drewry expects freight rates to record a modest uptick in the coming weeks.
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Composite Index: $700 per 40ft container.
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Weekly Change: -2%.
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Annual Change: -15% (vs. same period last year).
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Outlook: Bullish (short-term) due to capacity constraints.
The IACI is a comprehensive benchmark providing transparency into the actual spot container freight rates for 18 major trade routes within Asia. Launched as a weekly service as of January 2, 2026, the index offers a weighted average (Composite Index) alongside 18 specific route indices, all reported in USD per 40ft container.
The Index tracks market freight rates across the following key corridors:
| North & East Asia | Southeast Asia & Singapore | South Asia & Middle East |
| Busan-Shanghai | Ho Chi Minh City-Shanghai | Jawaharlal Nehru Port-Shanghai |
| Kaohsiung-Shanghai | Jakarta-Shanghai | Shanghai-Jawaharlal Nehru Port |
| Shanghai-Busan | Laem Chabang-Shanghai | Shanghai-Jebel Ali |
| Shanghai-Kaohsiung | Shanghai-Ho Chi Minh City | |
| Shanghai-Yokohama | Shanghai-Jakarta | |
| Yokohama-Shanghai | Shanghai-Laem Chabang | |
| Shanghai-Manila | ||
| Shanghai-Singapore | ||
| Shanghai-Tanjung Pelepas |
As the primary benchmark for the world’s most active regional shipping market, the IACI provides shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders with the data necessary to navigate the volatility of the Asian trade lanes. The projected increase in rates highlights the ongoing sensitivity of the market to seasonal demand and vessel availability.
