Recently, short-haul container shipping rates from Shanghai to destinations in Vietnam, Indonesia, and other Asian regions have surged significantly. On certain routes, the quoted price per 40-foot container has approached or even exceeded $2,000—a rare occurrence surpassing traditional trans-Pacific routes to the U.S. West Coast. This “inverted pricing” phenomenon has drawn widespread attention within the industry.

The high freight rates have quickly attracted shipping companies to expand their operations. Starting October 31, the three major Taiwanese carriers—Evergreen, Yang Ming, and Wan Hai—have launched their first collaborative direct service on an Asian route: the “China North-Indonesia-Singapore/Malaysia” (CIM) service. This initiative responds to the growing two-way trade demand between mainland China and Southeast Asia, particularly targeting the rapid expansion of the Indonesian market.

According to Yang Ming and Wan Hai, trade activity within the Asian region continues to rise, showing a trend of both volume and prices increasing. The Southeast Asia Freight Index (SEAFI) indicates that regional demand has steadily strengthened in the fourth quarter, with supply chains demonstrating strong resilience. Major freight forwarders project a significant increase in Southeast Asian exports to the U.S. by 2025, with further expansion anticipated in 2026. Meanwhile, local manufacturing remains highly dependent on imported raw materials and components, which will continue to drive up intra-regional transportation demand.

Objectively speaking, amid the trend toward supply chain diversification, Asia's internal logistics networks are undergoing structural adjustments. The strengthening of short-haul freight rates not only reflects shifts in market supply and demand but also signals accelerated regional integration. For shipping companies and freight forwarders, this represents both short-term benefits and a critical window for long-term strategic positioning. Looking ahead, logistics solutions centered around the “China-Southeast Asia-North America” triangular trade route may emerge as a new blue ocean for the industry.