The usual year-end freight rush on intra-Asia trade lanes is here – and it's proving to be one of the strongest in recent memory. Carriers are reporting tight capacity, and spot rates have been climbing steadily since late October, with no signs of slowing down before Chinese New Year.
Drewry's Intra-Asia Container Index shows that average spot rates increased by around 4% from late October to early November to 506perTEU,andhaveheldfirmsince.ButDecemberbroughtevensharpergains–ratesjumpedanother6506perTEU,andhaveheldfirmsince.ButDecemberbroughtevensharpergains–ratesjumpedanother6667 per 40ft container. Some lanes are seeing truly eye-catching moves: the Ho Chi Minh City–Shanghai route surged 63% to 67per40ft,whileShanghai–TanjungPelepasclimbedto67per40ft,whileShanghai–TanjungPelepasclimbedto1,082 per 40ft .
So what's driving the surge? The usual suspects – year-end inventory builds and holiday demand – are at play, but this year's peak is unusually extended because Chinese New Year falls in mid-February 2026. "The Christmas peak season will seamlessly transition into the pre-Chinese New Year peak," one Hong Kong freight executive noted . In other words, shippers are looking at a prolonged stretch of tight capacity right through January.
Carriers have taken notice. Multiple lines have announced General Rate Increases (GRIs) of 50to50to200 per TEU, with some imposing peak season surcharges on top. And remarkably – as one Singapore-based forwarder told industry media – carriers are actually making these rate hikes stick thanks to better capacity discipline than in previous years.
Behind the headlines, however, a bigger story is unfolding. The "China +1" strategy continues to reshape manufacturing patterns across the region. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are absorbing growing volumes of intermediate goods from China for final assembly before export to Western markets . This structural shift means intra-Asia trade isn't just seasonal – it's becoming a permanent growth engine. DHL forecasts intra-Asian volumes will reach 42.7 million TEU annually by 2028, outpacing global trade growth.
For shippers navigating these choppy waters, the message is clear: early planning and flexible routing aren't just nice-to-haves anymore – they're essential.
That's where XMAE Logistics comes in. As a freight forwarder with deep roots in the Asia-Pacific region, we work directly with major carriers to secure reliable space even when the market gets tight. Our longstanding relationships across key intra-Asia trade lanes – including China–Vietnam, China–Thailand, and China–Malaysia corridors – mean we can often lock in allocations that others can't.
How we help keep your supply chain moving
- Real-time market intelligence. We monitor daily rate movements and capacity trends so you can make informed decisions before prices climb further.
- Early booking solutions. With the current peak showing no signs of easing, securing space early is the single most effective way to avoid delays and premium charges.
- Multi-carrier options. We don't put all your eggs in one basket. Our network of carrier partners gives us flexibility to reroute or switch modes when conditions change.
- Customs compliance expertise. As manufacturing shifts across Southeast Asia, navigating cross-border regulations becomes more complex. Our in-house team keeps your shipments moving without holdups.
- End-to-end visibility. From port to warehouse, you'll know exactly where your cargo is – so you can plan production and inventory with confidence. At XMAE Logistics, we understand that a congested market doesn't have to mean a disrupted supply chain. Whether you're shipping semi-finished components from Vietnam to Chinese factories or finished goods from Thailand to global markets, our team is ready to help you navigate this extended peak season with minimal hassle.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can keep your intra-Asia shipments on schedule – and on budget.
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