The latest figures from Drewry reveal a notable drop in the intra-Asia container index, which has plummeted to $582 per 40-foot container. This downturn signals a clear softening in the regional shipping market, driven primarily by declining demand across key Asian trade lanes. Market analysts attribute the decline to seasonal slowdowns, easing supply chain disruptions, and a cautious approach from exporters amidst fluctuating consumer demand.

Key factors influencing this trend include:

  • Reduced spot rates across major origin-destination pairs within Asia.
  • Increased capacity
  • Shift in trade flows with some exporters opting for alternative transportation modes.
Route Current Rate ($/FEU) Change from Last Month
Shanghai to Singapore 590 -7%
Hong Kong to Jakarta 575 -9%
Busan to Manila 580 -6%