By Alison Koo 30 July 2026Intra-Asia rates continue to weaken as market observers say the busy H1 26 for Chinese exports is fading. Drewry said: “The intra-Asia container freight market is showing signs of softening as the peak season loses momentum.” Xeneta’s chief analyst, Peter Sand, added: “We see that a very busy first half (of 2026) for Chinese exports is behind us. While Chinese exports in May were at an all-time high (to all destinations), these peaked in April for exports to South-east Asia.” The usual peak season for intra-Asia container shipping runs from July to October, driven by early manufacturing runs and retail inventory buildup.