Drewry: Intra-Asia Container Index Down 4% Last Week in International Shipping News 04/07/2026 Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) decreased 4% to $1,035 per 40ft container. Freight rates declined, particularly on the Shanghai–Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port routes. This marks the second consecutive fall in the index, suggesting that the early peak-season volume surge is easing while rates on Middle East routes are stabilising. See detailed commentary below. IACI eases, but still remains 88% above pre-conflict levels The Drewry Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, decreased 4% to $1,035 per 40ft container. Freight rates declined, particularly on the Shanghai–Busan, Ho Chi Minh City, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port routes. This marks the second consecutive fall in the index, suggesting that the early peak-season volume surge is easing while rates on Middle East routes are stabilising. Spot rates on trade lanes connecting China with Southeast Asia and South Asia fell again this week, indicating that the early peak-season surge is approaching its end and upward pressure on freight rates is easing. Rates from Shanghai to Jawaharlal Nehru Port slid 6% to $2,155 per 40ft container. Meanwhile, rates from Shanghai to Manila declined 3% to $555 per 40ft container, following a sharp 26% drop last week, as congestion at Manila port eased with average vessel waiting times falling by four hours WoW in Week 26. Moreover, rates from Shanghai to Laem Chabang also declined to $974 per 40ft container. Southeast Asia continues to strengthen its position as a key manufacturing and export hub amid ongoing US–China trade tensions, with Chinese companies expanding investments in the region to preserve access to global markets and mitigate tariff risks. Capacity additions also continue, with Taiwanese forwarder and ship manager TVL Marine re-entering the intra-Asia container shipping market, while MSC has expanded its