On 25 September 2026, The Loadstar reported that unrelenting congestion and rising bunker costs have pushed intra-Asia container rates higher for about a month, with Drewry’s Intra-Asia Container Index up for a fourth consecutive week.
As of 17 September the index stood at USD 1,402 per 40ft, up 6% from 10 September. Spot rates from Shanghai to Laem Chabang and Ho Chi Minh City each rose 15% to USD 1,324 and USD 1,161 per 40ft; Shanghai–Nhava Sheva gained 1% to USD 3,897. The SCFI Shanghai–Southeast Asia print on 18 September was USD 1,104 per TEU, up 9% week on week.
ONE increased its emergency fuel surcharge to USD 60 from USD 38 on 16 September, adding pressure on all-in pricing as Brent-linked bunker costs rose.
CMA CGM is reshaping dedicated China–Middle East services: CIMEX1 drops Qingdao, Hong Kong and Sohar to focus on South China, Singapore and the Middle East, while Qingdao and Sohar move onto CIMEX3 with Ningbo, Shekou, Colombo, Fujairah and Singapore, extending that loop from seven to eight weeks. Linerlytica told The Loadstar Southeast Asia now accounts for about 11% of global port congestion (from 7% a month earlier), with North Asia still about 45%.