Shipping Container Equipment Shortage in Asia: Global Impact and 2025 Outlook

The shipping container equipment shortage in Asia continues to create ripple effects across global trade routes, delaying exports and driving up costs. What started in 2024 has now become one of the most pressing logistical challenges for international traders — particularly those shipping from India, China, and Southeast Asia

Asia’s Equipment Shortage Extends Worldwide

According to NJ Worldwide Logistics, the container shortage that began in China has now spread to India and other parts of Asia. The shortage worsened after the Indian government imposed trade restrictions, leading to a significant drop in imports from China. With fewer inbound containers being returned, exporters in Asia now struggle to find empty boxes for their shipments.

This imbalance is also being felt across the U.S. and South America, where inland depots and port-side terminals are experiencing similar equipment deficits. For U.S. importers, the demand for Asian goods has surged as retailers race to rebuild inventory levels depleted during earlier COVID-related shutdowns.

Delays and Rising Costs

Exporters moving goods from Asia to the U.S. are now facing waiting times of one to two weeks just to secure containers and bookings, especially from dry ports to central regions. Commodities such as marble, rice, and manufactured goods have been hit hardest, as shipping lines prioritize higher-value freight or full-container loads.

Industry data shows that reefer (refrigerated container) rates from Asia to the U.S. have increased by 25–30% since mid-2024. In addition, carriers continue to implement surcharges, blank sailings, and rolled cargo policies to manage the lack of equipment. These adjustments further strain exporters who are already operating on thin margins.

Why Is There a Shipping Container Shortage?

• Imbalanced trade: Fewer imports from China and India mean fewer empty containers returning for reuse.
• Congested ports: Many ports are still recovering from earlier backlogs, slowing container turnaround.
• Surging demand: U.S. importers are restocking aggressively ahead of the 2025 retail season.
• Limited manufacturing output: Container factories in China and Vietnam have not yet returned to full production capacity.

Combined, these factors have created a bottleneck where containers are available in the wrong places — and not where exporters need them most.

Impact on U.S. and Global Trade

U.S. importers and distributors are experiencing the brunt of the disruption. Many have turned to YES Containers and similar suppliers to buy or rent containers for short-term storage or domestic transport to keep their supply chains moving.

Carriers like CMA CGM and Maersk have begun rerouting vessels and repositioning empties to mitigate shortages, but logistical recovery will take months. The shortage has also driven up prices in secondary markets, with used containers in Georgia and California seeing price increases of up to 20% since early 2024.

When Will the Market Stabilize?

Experts predict that container availability will begin to normalize by mid-2025 as trade flows rebalance and container manufacturers ramp up production. However, the current supply-demand gap means that exporters should continue planning for delays and higher costs through at least the first quarter of the year.

Until then, logistics providers advise holding on to existing containers, considering short-term leasing options, and securing bookings early to avoid further disruptions.

Final Thoughts

The shipping container equipment shortage in Asia has reshaped the global freight market, reminding us how interconnected and fragile the supply chain can be. While recovery is on the horizon, importers and exporters alike will need to stay adaptable and proactive in the months ahead.

Looking to secure containers for your business? YES Containers offers reliable nationwide delivery, helping companies overcome shortages and streamline logistics across the U.S. and beyond.

For related insights, check out our post on container shipping analysis and how port congestion continues to affect trade efficiency worldwide.