Intra-Asia container freight rates have declined for three consecutive weeks, with Shanghai–Jawaharlal Nehru Port rates falling 13% to $1,883 per 40ft container by 9 July 2026. Drewry reported easing congestion, including a 7.8-hour reduction in average vessel waiting times at Manila Port in Week 27. China United Lines launched its new South Korea–China–India (KCI) service on 17 July 2026, deploying the 8,000-teu Mumbai Bridge from Busan and the 6,758-teu Racine in August. Despite the softening, Drewry’s Intra-Asia Index remains 41% above last year’s level, supported by early peak demand and geopolitical-driven cost pressures.
According to theloadstar.com, intra-Asia container freight rates have declined for three consecutive weeks, signaling the conclusion of an early peak season amid easing port congestion and expanding regional capacity.
Freight Rate Declines Across Key Corridors
The Shanghai Containerised Freight Index recorded a 6% weekly drop in the Shanghai–South-east Asia rate on 10 July 2026, bringing the rate to $628 per teu. Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index confirmed broad-based softening: the spot rate from Shanghai to Jawaharlal Nehru Port fell for a third straight week, declining 13% to $1,883 per 40ft container. Rates from Shanghai to Manila dropped 10%, reaching $497 per 40ft, while the Shanghai–Ho Chi Minh City route declined 6% to $858 per 40ft.
Congestion Eases at Key Southeast Asian Ports
Drewry attributed the softening to reduced pressure on capacity and improved port fluidity. The consultancy reported that average vessel waiting times at Manila Port fell by 7.8 hours in Week 27 compared to the prior week — a clear indicator of decongestion. This aligns with broader trends across Southeast Asia, where infrastructure upgrades and operational adjustments are yielding measurable improvements in turnaround times. Drewry stated:
“The early peak-season volume surge is nearing its end and upward pressure on freight rates is easing. Congestion at Manila Port eased, with average vessel waiting times falling by 7.8 hours in Week 27 from the previous week.” — Drewry
New Services Expand Regional Connectivity
Capacity additions continue to offset demand volatility. China United Lines (CULines) launched its South Korea–China–India (KCI) service, with the first sailing scheduled for 17 July 2026. The KCI service complements CULines’ existing Western India offerings and introduces direct connections between South Korea and West India/Pakistan. The inaugural vessel, the 8,000 teu Mumbai Bridge, departs from Busan; CULines will deploy the chartered 6,758 teu Racine in August 2026. CULines joins an existing joint service operated by Global Feeder Shipping, Sinokor Merchant Marine, TS Lines, and Regional Container Lines.
Market Resilience Amid Geopolitical Headwinds
Despite recent declines, Drewry noted the intra-Asia container freight market remains robust year-to-date: its index stood 41% higher than in 2025. This resilience stems from sustained early peak-season demand and elevated shipping costs linked to geopolitical disruptions, including ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. Those tensions continue to drive supply chain diversification, prompting manufacturers to expand production capacity across Asia — a structural shift supporting long-term regional trade growth.
Source: The Loadstar
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
