Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI), which tracks the weighted average of regional spot container freight rates, fell by 2% over the two weeks ending March 15, 2025, to $604 per 40ft container.
Despite this recent decline, the IACI remains 39% higher than it was in March 2024. Drewry forecasts that freight rates are likely to stabilize in the coming weeks, as delivery times improve and logistics operations return to normal following the holiday season.
The IACI represents spot container freight rates for major intra-Asia trade routes and is updated every two weeks. The index includes 18 specific route indices, which cover key shipping routes within Asia, and a composite index. All values are reported in USD per 40ft container.
The routes covered by the IACI are as follows:
- Busan-Shanghai
- Ho Chi Minh City-Shanghai
- Jakarta-Shanghai
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port-Shanghai
- Kaohsiung-Shanghai
- Laem Chabang-Shanghai
- Shanghai-Busan
- Shanghai-Ho Chi Minh City
- Shanghai-Jakarta
- Shanghai-Jawaharlal Nehru Port
- Shanghai-Jebel Ali
- Shanghai-Kaohsiung
- Shanghai-Laem Chabang
- Shanghai-Manila
- Shanghai-Singapore
- Shanghai-Tanjung Pelepas
- Shanghai-Yokohama
- Yokohama-Shanghai
By providing this comprehensive view of intra-Asia freight trends, Drewry’s IACI offers valuable insights into the region’s container shipping market.
