News / Container shortage crisis spreads to intra-Asia trades, driving prices higher

What a major shipping line called the “black swan” container shortage has hit intra-Asia trades as carriers prioritise transpacific profits.

With some 30m teu carried each year, the intra-Asia tradelane is the largest in the world, comprising around 100 port pairs.

Costs have traditionally been kept in check, there’s been less carrier consolidation than on deepsea trades, with major regional players competing for cargo.

However, these previously low-cost shipping routes are now seeing large freight rate increases and carrier surcharges.

“Intra-Asia rates have increased ...