ports

Chinese Exports Sustain Intra-Asia Rate Momentum Despite Recent Corrections

Chinese export volumes continue underpinning regional shipping rates, even as select trade lanes experienced pricing pullbacks in late June 2026. Shanghai-Singapore rates declined $7 to $682 per teu, while Shanghai-Manila fell 26% from May peaks to $575 per 40ft as cargo volumes moderated and carriers adjusted pricing. Shanghai-Laem Chabang rates retreated to $1,030 following the US-Iran peace deal. China-Taiwan corridor rates rebounded after May declines, rising between $30-$100 to $250-$500 per 40ft. Industry observers note the corrections remain marginal and do not signal broader trend reversals. Chinese containerized exports to Southeast Asia expanded 5% between January and April, driven by supply chain diversification efforts amid US-China trade tensions. Carriers are expanding services linking southern China to central Vietnam, capitalizing on manufacturer capacity shifts across the region.