Drewry announced that its Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) experienced a strong increase of 6% in the second half of November, reaching $667 per 40ft container. This significant fortnightly surge comes despite the Index remaining 23% lower compared to the same period last year (YoY). Drewry forecasts that Intra-Asia container freight rates will continue their upward trajectory until January 2026.
The anticipated uptrend is primarily driven by mounting capacity constraints across the region. The market is currently experiencing an extended peak season, with shippers front-loading cargo in advance of the busy Lunar New Year period, which falls in mid-February 2026. This rush to secure space is tightening capacity significantly, placing sustained upward pressure on spot rates.
Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) provides a crucial benchmark for the regional shipping market by reporting actual spot container freight rates for major intra-Asia trade routes.
The Index is updated fortnightly and is structured around two key components:
A Composite Index: Providing an aggregate view of the market.
18 Route-Specific Indices: Representing individual shipping lanes to ensure granular transparency.
All indices within the IACI are reported in United States Dollars (USD) per 40ft container. The routes monitored are essential connections between major hubs, including key trades involving Shanghai, Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Kaohsiung, Laem Chabang, Jebel Ali, Manila, Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas, and Yokohama.
