Intra-Asia carriers have released strong financial performances in the first half of 2025, supported by higher freight rates and cargo volumes. The results reflect how regional carriers have successfully weathered the pressures from tariff disruptions, with signs of sustained demand momentum heading into the remainder of the year.

In the first eight months of the year, the region saw the introduction of 22 new services with only one carrier withdrawing a single service, The Loadstar reported.

According to a freight report from one global forwarder, demand has outpaced available capacity in four of the first eight months of 2025. Intra-Asia volumes are projected to reach 42.7 million TEUs by 2028, the equivalent of a 3.8% growth, which outpaces a 3.3% global growth rate.

A second forwarder noted that despite its freight data showing a reported year-on-year decline of -9%, intra-Asia activity has not slowed down. The forwarder pointed to increased demand and capacity constraints and cited Malaysia as example.

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Malaysia has been revealed as the fastest-growing container port in the first half of 2025, according to Alphaliner’s top-30 container port rankings report.

Source: The Loadstar