The Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) by Drewry Supply Chain Advisors held steady at $655 per 40ft container during the fortnight ending 30 May 2025.
The IACI, produced by Drewry, is a volume-weighted index reflecting actual spot container freight rates across 18 major Intra-Asia trade lanes to and from China.
These include three North/East Asian routes (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan), five South East Asian routes (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam), and two South/West Asian routes (India and the United Arab Emirates).
Drewry noted that the index is updated fortnightly and is based on reported market rates, providing a transparent benchmark for stakeholders in the region.
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The latest assessment indicates no change in the composite index, suggesting a period of rate stability across these key intra-regional corridors where demand and capacity appear to be in balance.
Eight of the largest trade routes within the composite index are featured in Drewry’s latest analysis, offering further insight into regional freight trends. While specific route figures are not detailed in the summary, the overall index value provides a clear indication of prevailing spot market conditions.
Drewry emphasised that these spot freight rates exclude origin and destination terminal handling charges, ensuring the index focuses solely on the shipping cost component.
In recent news, US container imports posted robust growth in April 2025, with volumes increasing by 1.2 per cent over March and 9.1 per cent year-on-year, according to Descartes’ May Global Shipping Report. Total imports surpassed 2.4 million TEUs for the second time this year, reflecting continued strength in the face of ongoing trade and geopolitical challenges.
