Drewry’s latest update to its Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) shows that container freight rates across key Asian trade lanes increased by 5% in the first half of September 2025, reaching $611 per 40ft container.
The IACI, a composite measure tracking spot rates on 18 major intra-Asia routes, remains 9% lower year-on-year compared with September 2024. Despite this decline, Drewry notes that rates have shown relative resilience in recent weeks and expects them to remain broadly stable throughout the second half of September.
“Intra-Asia trade is a vital part of the global supply chain, and freight rate movements here often provide an early signal of broader market trends,” said a Drewry spokesperson. “The modest increase in the first half of September points to stabilizing conditions, though rates remain below last year’s levels.”
The Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) provides a transparent and reliable benchmark of actual spot container freight rates across the region. Updated fortnightly, the IACI captures pricing trends by combining 18 individual trade lane indices into a single composite measure.
All rates are reported in USD per 40ft container. The 18 trade routes monitored under the index are:
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 offering granular insights into intra-Asia freight rate dynamics, Drewry’s IACI equips shippers, carriers, and logistics providers with a trusted tool for market analysis and decision-making.
Drewry is a leading international maritime research consultancy providing independent market insights and advisory services across the global shipping industry. With over 50 years of expertise, Drewry delivers trusted intelligence, data-driven analysis, and actionable advice to support strategic decision-making for stakeholders throughout the supply chain.
