Drewry's Intra‑Asia Container Index climbed 6% last week to reach $1,491 per 40ft box, sources indicated on 27 September 2026.
The rise to $1,491 represents a sharp weekly uptick in spot pricing on intra‑Asian lanes, with Drewry's figures showing a clear uptick in market pressure compared with the preceding week. The reported increase was calculated on the index's standard 40ft container basis.
Drewry's composite measure has now recorded an all‑time high for the fifth week running, underscoring an exceptionally tight short‑term market for container space within the region. Persistent elevation of the composite index over consecutive weeks points to sustained constraints rather than a brief spike.
The consultancy identified two principal sources of disruption driving the pressure: geopolitical tensions and typhoon‑related weather events. Those factors are described as continuing to ripple through regional supply chains and to limit the capacity available to carry freight.
Supply chain effects
Capacity shortages driven by the combined impact of geopolitical factors and typhoon activity are constraining the normal flow of cargo, according to the report. When fewer ship slots and reduced equipment availability coincide with surges in demand, shippers face tighter allocation and less flexibility when routing cargo.
Market signals
With the Intra‑Asia Composite Index at successive record levels, the spot market signal is one of elevated cost and constrained choice for intra‑regional consignors and receivers. Drewry's weekly data suggest the market remains under pressure while these disruptive influences persist.
Sources carried Drewry's figures and commentary on 27 September 2026, setting out the weekly movement and the consultancy's interpretation of the causes. The report provides a snapshot of short‑term market conditions that are likely to inform operational and commercial decisions by carriers, forwarders and cargo owners in the coming days.
The weekly surge to $1,491 per 40ft will be closely watched across intra‑Asian trades as industry participants assess how prolonged the present constraints may be and what measures to adopt in response. For now, the combination of record composite readings and weather and geopolitical disruption remains the defining feature of the intra‑Asia container market being reported.