Chinese Container Rates Hit Record High at $1,402
Port congestion in China pushed intra-Asia shipping costs to a fourth weekly record high, driven by typhoon disruptions and holiday demand.
Key points
- Intra-Asia container rates rose 6% to a record US$1,402 per 40-foot container in the latest weekly data.
- Vessel waiting times at Shanghai port increased by 13 hours to reach an average of 78 hours in week 37.
- Shanghai to Jebel Ali spot rates climbed 13% to US$8,509, while routes to Vietnam and Thailand rose 15%.
Intra-Asia container rates climbed 6% to a record US$1,402 per 40-foot unit this week. This marks the fourth consecutive week of rising prices in the sector.
Typhoon-related disruptions and capacity constraints drove the increase according to Drewry data. Spot rates from China to Southeast Asia surged ahead of the Golden Week holiday.
Port congestion extends vessel waiting times
Average vessel waiting times at Shanghai reached 78 hours in week 37. This represents a 13-hour increase from the previous week’s average.
Ningbo experienced similar delays with waiting times rising to 77 hours. The 11-hour weekly increase reflects persistent operational bottlenecks in major hubs.
Regional rates spike before holiday period
Shanghai to Laem Chabang rates jumped 15% to US$1,324 per container. Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City also increased 15% to US$1,161.
Routes to the Middle East saw significant gains as well. Shanghai to Jebel Ali rose 13% to US$8,509 per 40-foot container.
Fuel costs and route changes add pressure
Singapore bunker prices are roughly 60% higher year on year in Q3 2026. ONE raised its emergency fuel surcharge to US$60 per TEU on September 16.
CMA CGM restructured China-Middle East services with a longer eight-week turnaround. Drewry expects rates to stabilize in the coming weeks despite current volatility.
