Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) continued its upward trajectory in the final week of March 2026, marking a significant 5% increase to reach $676 per 40ft container.
This latest gain reflects a sustained period of volatility as the maritime sector grapples with the cascading effects of the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The primary catalyst for this week’s surge is the rising cost of bunker fuel. As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensify, global energy markets have seen a sharp spike in crude prices. For carriers operating within the Intra-Asia network—the world’s largest and most complex trade lane—these overheads are being directly passed through to spot rates.
“We are seeing a clear correlation between the regional security situation and the cost of moving goods across Asia,” says a Drewry spokesperson. “While demand remains steady, the supply-side pressure from fuel surcharges is forcing the Index higher as we exit the first quarter.”
The IACI is a comprehensive weighted average of weekly spot rates across 18 major trade routes connecting the industrial and consumer hubs of Asia. Key data points for the week include:
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Current Composite Index: $676 per 40ft container.
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Weekly Change: +5%.
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Update Frequency: Every Friday (Since Jan 2, 2026).
The index tracks specific high-volume corridors, including critical links between Shanghai and major ports such as Singapore, Busan, Jebel Ali, and Jakarta. Both northbound and southbound movements (e.g., Busan-Shanghai and Shanghai-Busan) are monitored to provide a transparent view of trade imbalances and regional pricing power.
