Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) rose 28% in the first week of April, reaching $865 per 40ft container.
The index has now increased for three consecutive weeks and stands 29% higher year-on-year.
Middle East impact drives surge
The sharp rise was mainly driven by higher rates on the Shanghai–Jebel Ali route. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt trade flows and push up freight costs.
Mixed rate movements across routes
Rates showed mixed trends across key intra-Asia lanes:
- Stable from Busan to Shanghai and Yokohama to Shanghai
- Increased from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai and Shanghai to Singapore
- Declined on Shanghai to Jawaharlal Nehru and Shanghai to Yokohama.
About the index
The IACI tracks spot container rates across 18 major intra-Asia trade routes. It reflects pricing trends across Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia.
The index excludes terminal handling charges and is now updated weekly.
