Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) rose for the fourth consecutive week, standing at USD 925 per 40-foot container as of May 8, 2026.
This indicator, which represents a weighted average of weekly spot rates on 18 of the main trade routes within the Asian continent, reflects a sustained upward trend in the regional market.
The behavior of rates shows a mixed dynamic depending on the geographical area analyzed. While prices on the Shanghai–Jebel Ali route have experienced a slight decline, which could suggest that this market has found a balance following the impact of recent conflicts, rates from Shanghai to North, South, and Southeast Asia continue to rise.
The IACI report, prepared by Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, bases its assessment on the collection of actual freight rates on strategic routes connecting key ports such as Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Shanghai, Yokohama, and Singapore, among others.
The reported rates are expressed in US dollars per 40-foot container and exclude terminal handling charges at both origin and destination.
Since January 2, 2026, the update frequency of this index changed from bi-weekly to weekly, allowing for more precise monitoring of sector volatility.
The current methodology of the index includes a composite of 18 route-specific indices, providing a comprehensive view of supply and demand in one of the regions with the highest logistical movement in the world.
