Drewry World Container Index

Data Shipping

Source: Drewry
Source Link: https://www.drewry.co.uk/
Frequency: Weekly
Next Release(s): January 29th, 2026 9:45 AM

Latest Updates

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell -10% WoW to $2,212 per 40ft container, reflecting a broad pullback in Transpacific and Asia–Europe spot rates.
- The composite WCI declined -10% WoW for a second straight week to $2,212, as falling rates across major routes outweighed any near-term support from capacity management.
- Shanghai–New York spot rates dropped -11% WoW to $3,191 per 40ft container, pointing to renewed softness on the Transpacific.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles rates fell -12% WoW to $2,546, another large weekly decline that contributed to the overall index drop.
- Asia–Europe rates also weakened for a second week, with Shanghai–Rotterdam down -9% WoW to $2,510 and Shanghai–Genoa down -8% WoW to $3,520.
- Carriers increased blank sailings to offset demand softening after the end of the Chinese New Year cargo rush, signaling active capacity responses to weaker spot conditions.
- Drewry expects freight rates to decline further in coming weeks, implying continued downward pressure under the current demand backdrop.
- Carrier routing strategies diverged: CMA CGM is shifting three Asia–Europe services from Suez to the Cape route, while Maersk plans to resume India to U.S. East Coast service via Suez starting Jan 26.
- The uneven return of Suez-linked capacity is characterized as a gradual “drip-feed,” intended to avoid a sharp spot-rate reset from capacity reintroduction.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell -4% WoW to $2,445 per 40ft container, reflecting softer pricing on major Transpacific and Asia–Europe lanes.
- The composite WCI declined from $2,557 to $2,445 WoW (-4%) and remained down -37% YoY, indicating rates are still substantially lower than last year despite recent volatility.
- Shanghai–New York spot rates fell -10% WoW to $3,568 per 40ft container, marking one of the sharpest weekly drops among the major routes.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles rates declined -7% WoW to $2,909, also contributing meaningfully to the overall index pullback.
- Drewry noted carriers were unable to sustain higher rates due to weak demand, even as Chinese New Year factory shutdowns expected in mid-February were putting upward pressure on spot pricing.
- Asia–Europe lanes were also lower, with Shanghai–Rotterdam down -3% WoW to $2,763 and Shanghai–Genoa down -1% WoW to $3,839, showing modest easing relative to last week’s levels.
- Ocean carriers reportedly put plans to resume Red Sea transits on hold amid escalating protests in Iran and risk of direct U.S. military intervention, which Drewry said continues to drive regional volatility.
The Drewry World Container Index jumped +16% WoW to $2,557 per 40ft container, marking a sharp early-January spike driven by carrier rate hikes on major Asia–Europe and Transpacific routes.
- The composite WCI rose from $2,213 to $2,557 WoW (+16%) but remained down -36% YoY, highlighting a strong short-term move within a still-lower annual pricing environment.
- Shanghai–Genoa spot rates increased +13% WoW to $3,885 and Shanghai–Rotterdam rose +10% WoW to $2,840, reflecting higher FAK rates implemented by carriers on Asia–Europe lanes.
- Transpacific routes posted the largest gains, with Shanghai–Los Angeles surging +26% WoW to $3,132 and Shanghai–New York up +20% WoW to $3,957, indicating aggressive near-term pricing actions.
- Backhaul routes saw more modest changes: Rotterdam–Shanghai increased +3% WoW to $504, while Los Angeles–Shanghai edged up +1% WoW to $721, showing limited spillover to eastbound pricing.
- Capacity expanded 7–10% MoM on Asia–North America routes and 5–7% MoM on Asia–North Europe and Mediterranean routes in January, suggesting rising supply alongside the rate increases.
- Anecdotal evidence pointed to soft Asia–US volumes, indicating the outsized spot rate jumps appear opportunistic and may prove temporary rather than demand-driven.
The Drewry World Container Index rose +1% WoW to $2,213 per 40ft container, extending a fourth straight weekly gain amid firm Asia–Europe and Transpacific pricing.
- The composite WCI increased from $2,182 to $2,213 (+1% WoW), continuing a gradual late-December uptrend in global spot rates.
- Shanghai–Genoa spot rates climbed +3% WoW to $3,427, marking continued strength on the Asia–Mediterranean lane.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam rates rose +2% WoW to $2,584, with Asia–Europe prices stable or rising for a fourth consecutive week.
- Drewry noted Asia–Europe rate resilience reflects a shift in seasonal patterns, with December showing double-digit MoM demand growth in each of the past three years.
- Early bookings ahead of the February 2026 Lunar New Year were cited as supporting current rate levels on Asia–Europe routes.
- Shanghai–New York rates were unchanged at $3,302 WoW, following last week’s double-digit increase, indicating a pause after recent gains.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles rates also held steady at $2,481 WoW, with Drewry expecting Transpacific spot rates to remain broadly stable next week.
The Drewry World Container Index rose +12% WoW to $2,182 per 40ft container, marking a third consecutive weekly increase and reflecting a broad-based rebound across major trade lanes.
- The composite WCI increased from $1,957 to $2,182 WoW (+12%) but remained down -43% YoY, underscoring a sharp weekly rebound within a still-normalized annual backdrop.
- Shanghai–New York spot rates jumped +19% WoW to $3,293, indicating a strong recovery on the Transpacific East Coast headhaul after last week’s pullback.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles rates rose +18% WoW to $2,474, showing a similar rebound on the Transpacific West Coast route amid announced capacity reductions.
- Drewry reported 10 blank sailings scheduled for next week on the Transpacific lane, suggesting capacity management alongside the rate recovery.
- Shanghai–Genoa rates climbed +10% WoW to $3,314, extending recent gains and remaining one of the strongest-performing Asia–Europe routes.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam increased +8% WoW to $2,539, with Asia–Europe rates holding stable or rising for a third consecutive week.
- Drewry noted that December has delivered double-digit MoM demand growth for three straight years, with early bookings ahead of the February 2026 Lunar New Year supporting expectations for further modest rate increases next week.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 2% WoW to $1,957 per 40ft container, its second straight weekly gain, reflecting strengthening Asia–Europe spot rates despite renewed softness on Transpacific lanes.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam rates increased 5% WoW to $2,361, marking a fourth consecutive week of stability or gains on Asia–Europe routes as seasonal year-end demand firms.
- Shanghai–Genoa surged 13% WoW to $3,004, the largest weekly increase across major lanes, supported by early bookings ahead of the February 2026 Lunar New Year.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles fell -7% WoW to $2,103, reversing last week’s brief recovery as weakening volumes and rising blank sailings weighed on Transpacific headhaul rates.
- Shanghai–New York declined -5% WoW to $2,756, showing similar pressure on East Coast routes amid limited cargo availability following the early November holiday shipping.
- Drewry reported 12 additional blank sailings scheduled next week on the Transpacific, noting that capacity cuts have not been enough to offset weak demand, and expects slight further softening in U.S. bound rates.
- In contrast, Asia–Europe rates have benefited from four consecutive weeks of stable or rising spot levels, consistent with Drewry’s observed pattern of double-digit December demand growth over the last three years.
- The composite WCI is down -45% YoY, and Asia–Europe lanes such as Shanghai–Rotterdam (-51% YoY) and Shanghai–Genoa (-46% YoY) remain well below 2024 levels, underscoring the broader normalization in global freight markets.
- Over the last three years, Drewry has observed double-digit month-on-month demand growth in December, establishing strong year-end volumes as the "new normal." With the Lunar New Year falling in February 2026, carriers are already seeing early bookings, leading Drewry to forecast further slight rate increases next week.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 7% WoW to $1,927 per 40ft container, marking the first increase in four weeks and reflecting broad rate gains across Transpacific and Asia–Europe lanes.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles increased 8% WoW to $2,256, reversing recent declines and showing stronger Transpacific headhaul demand.
- Shanghai–New York rose 6% WoW to $2,895, indicating a similar recovery on the all water route as carriers applied fresh GRIs.
- Shanghai–Genoa jumped 15% WoW to $2,648, the largest gain among major lanes, supported by sustained FAK increases on Asia–Europe routes.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam climbed 4% WoW to $2,241, marking a third consecutive weekly gain as carriers continued to hold rate levels ahead of contract negotiations.
- Rotterdam–Shanghai rose 2% WoW to $460, but remained down -11% YoY, reflecting still soft backhaul pricing conditions.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles and Shanghai–New York remain far below year ago levels (-39% YoY and -44% YoY respectively), underscoring how elevated 2024 spot rates have since normalized.
- Drewry noted that carriers are shifting from large fortnightly GRIs to smaller weekly increases, a strategy that appears effective and supports their expectation of stable rates in the coming week, while uncertainty around Suez Canal routing continues to shape capacity and pricing risks on Asia–Europe lanes.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell -2% WoW to $1,806 per 40ft container, reflecting broad rate declines across both Transpacific and Asia–Europe lanes amid softer demand and rising available capacity.
- Shanghai–New York dropped -6% WoW to $2,735, marking a third straight weekly decline as Transpacific headhaul rates continued to weaken.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles fell -4% WoW to $2,089, with Drewry noting that fewer blank sailings next week could increase capacity and apply further downward pressure on rates.
- Shanghai–Genoa and Shanghai–Rotterdam both declined -1% WoW, to $2,300 and $2,165 respectively, ending a six-week streak of increases on the Asia–Europe corridor.
- Carriers on Asia–Europe are attempting to lift spot rates by raising December FAK levels to $3,100–$4,000 per 40ft, aiming to strengthen pricing ahead of contract negotiations.
- A national strike in Belgium caused congestion at the Port of Antwerp, with delays expected to worsen as some carriers shift back to the Suez Canal route.
- Drewry’s outlook indicates the supply-demand balance may weaken further in coming quarters, particularly if Suez transits normalize and additional capacity returns to the market.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) held steady WoW at $1,852 per 40ft container, reflecting offsetting moves between weakening Transpacific demand and rising Asia–Europe rates.
- Shanghai–New York fell -10% WoW to $2,922, marking a second straight weekly decline as Transpacific spot rates continued to soften.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles dropped -7% WoW to $2,172, with Drewry noting that blank sailings are expected to decrease next week, suggesting more capacity and additional rate pressure.
- Shanghai–Genoa rose +6% WoW to $2,319, extending a six-week streak of increases on the Asia–Europe lane.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam increased +8% WoW to $2,193, supported by carriers implementing higher December FAK rates to push spot levels upward ahead of contract negotiations.
- Overall WCI remained unchanged WoW, as falling Transpacific rates were offset by rising Asia–Europe rates.
- Drewry’s forecaster expects the supply-demand balance to weaken in coming quarters, especially if Suez Canal transits normalize and bring additional capacity back into the market.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell -5% WoW to $1,859 per 40ft container, marking the first decline after four straight weekly increases and reflecting easing demand following early holiday shipments.
- Transpacific spot rates weakened sharply, with Shanghai–New York down -15% WoW to $3,254 and Shanghai–Los Angeles down -12% to $2,328, showing that recent GRIs were unable to hold as demand softened after retailers completed holiday imports.
- Drewry noted that Transpacific rates are likely to soften slightly or remain steady next week, indicating limited near-term support now that seasonal demand has passed.
- Asia–Europe routes moved higher, with Shanghai–Genoa up +4% to $2,193 and Shanghai–Rotterdam up +3% to $2,028, as carriers attempt to lift spot prices ahead of the new contract negotiation season.
- Carriers on the Asia–Europe lane are implementing higher mid-November FAK rates of $3,000 to $3,650 per 40ft box, a move aimed at pushing spot levels higher before negotiations begin.
- Drewry’s Container Forecaster expects the supply-demand balance to weaken in coming quarters, especially if Suez Canal transits normalize and add more effective capacity back into the system.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose +8% WoW to $1,959 per 40ft container, marking a fourth consecutive weekly increase after a 17-week slide, driven by early-November GRIs and pre-contract rate hikes across major routes.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles rates climbed +9% WoW to $2,647 per 40ft box, and Shanghai–New York rose +8% to $3,837, supported by General Rate Increases (GRIs) implemented on November 1.
- Asia–Europe routes strengthened, with Shanghai–Rotterdam up +9% to $1,962 and Shanghai–Genoa up +8% to $2,111, as carriers pushed FAK rates higher ahead of the annual contract negotiation season.
- Backhaul routes were stable, with Rotterdam–Shanghai unchanged at $463 and Los Angeles–Shanghai edging +1% to $713, reflecting limited recovery in westbound demand.
- The transatlantic market was mixed: New York–Rotterdam increased +2% to $865, while Rotterdam–New York dipped -1% to $1,664.
- The composite index remains -43% YoY lower, underscoring ongoing market weakness despite recent short-term price gains.
- Drewry noted that the recent upward momentum is likely temporary, with rates expected to soften again in coming quarters as supply-demand fundamentals weaken.
Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) rose +4% WoW to $1,822 per 40ft container, marking a third consecutive weekly gain after a prolonged 17-week decline, supported by upcoming General Rate Increases (GRIs) on major trade lanes.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles rates increased +6% WoW to $2,438, while Shanghai–New York rose +4% to $3,568, reflecting short-term pricing support ahead of November 1 GRIs.
- Asia–Europe routes strengthened, with Shanghai–Rotterdam up +3% to $1,795 and Shanghai–Genoa up +5% to $1,955, as carriers raised FAK rates before annual contract negotiations.
- Backhaul routes were mostly steady, with Rotterdam–Shanghai up +1% to $463 and Los Angeles–Shanghai unchanged at $706.
- Transatlantic rates edged lower, with Rotterdam–New York down -2% to $1,678 and New York–Rotterdam off -1% to $846.
- The composite index remains -43% lower YoY, underscoring continued weakness compared with 2024 levels despite recent rate stabilization.
- Drewry noted that while further small increases are possible next week, the uptrend is expected to be temporary as supply-demand dynamics weaken in coming quarters.