The Drewry Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, declined marginally by 1% this week to $1,503 per 40ft container. The IACI Composite Index stabilised, following six consecutive weekly increases, and remained largely unchanged during the Chinese Golden Week holidays. This contrasts with the same period last year, when the index slid 12%.

© Drewry

Spot rates from Greater China to Northeast, Southeast and South Asia softened this week as demand weakened during the Golden Week holidays. However, the decline remained limited due to network adjustments following recent operational disruptions. Rates from Shanghai to Laem Chabang, Manila and Yokohama decreased 3% to $1,690, $1,027 and $1,052 per 40ft container, respectively. Hapag-Lloyd suspended the acceptance of all new bookings to Manila, Batangas and Subic Bay, citing continued port congestion and severe constraints on depot and empty-container return capacity across the Philippines. Meanwhile, rates to transhipment hubs such as Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas increased 2% to $2,123 and $2,100 per 40ft container, respectively. The deteriorating situation in the Middle East kept Shanghai–Jebel Ali rates elevated at $8,662 per 40ft container. Shanghai and Ningbo continued to experience vessel bunching and schedule delays, with average waiting times reaching 74 hours and 58 hours, respectively, in Week 40. Drewry expects rates to remain broadly stable in the coming weeks as volumes recover following the Golden Week holiday.

© Drewry

Spot rates across Southeast and Northeast Asia to China showed a mixed trend, which otherwise remained stable. Rates from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai increased 7% to $47 per 40ft container, while rates from Kaohsiung to Shanghai declined 6% to $44 per 40ft container. OOCL is set to launch its China–Cambodia–Thailand Service (CCT4) on 23 October 2026, aimed at strengthening intra-Asia connectivity, with port calls at Nansha, Shekou, Sihanoukville and Songkhla. Meanwhile, Bengal Tiger Line, KMTC, Interasia Lines and Wan Hai will remove the Singapore call in both directions from their jointly operated South Korea/China–India CCS/CI5/FME2 service. The six vessels, each with a capacity of around 4,000 TEU, will subsequently call at Qingdao, Busan, Shanghai, Shekou, Port Kelang, Chennai, Kattupalli, Port Kelang, Pasir Gudang, Kaohsiung, before returning to Qingdao, Busan and Shanghai.

The intra-Asia container freight market has remained resilient this year, with the index surging 209% YoY, supported by elevated bunker costs and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. Brent crude oil prices have remained above $100 per barrel since early September, reflecting continued uncertainty in global energy markets and adding to carriers’ operating costs. Against this backdrop, CMA CGM announced an emergency fuel surcharge of $75 per TEU on all intra-regional trade lanes, effective 1 October, which is expected to provide further support to freight rates in the near term.

© DREWRYFor more information:
Drewry
Tel: +44 (0) 207 538 0191
Email: [email protected]
www.drewry.co.uk