Drewry World Container Index

Data Shipping

Source: Drewry
Source Link: https://www.drewry.co.uk/
Frequency: Weekly
Next Release(s): April 30th, 2026 9:45 AM

Latest Updates

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) declined for the second consecutive week, down 1% to $2,232 per 40ft container, driven by lower rates on the Asia–Europe trade route. Despite higher fuel costs and earlier announced war-risk surcharges due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, carriers are struggling to sustain rate increases amid weak demand.
- Spot rates on the Transatlantic trade route increased in double digits this week. Although rates on this lane are typically stable, they have been rising since the end of March. Freight rates on the Transatlantic route increased 15% to $2,326 per 40ft container, driven by capacity reductions and the implementation of $1,100 per 40ft container PSS by carriers, effective 15 April.
- Spot rates on the Asia–Europe trade route declined this week despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, driven by weak seasonal demand and excess capacity. Rates from Shanghai to Genoa fell 8% to $3,071 per 40ft container, while rates to Rotterdam decreased 4% to $2,147 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, carriers have announced only three blank sailings for next week on the Asia–Europe trade route, indicating not much reduction in effective capacity.
- In contrast, Transpacific rates rose this week, driven by carrier capacity reductions to counter seasonal demand softness. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, nine blank sailings have been announced for next week to manage higher capacity. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 4% to $2,934 per 40ft container, while rates from Shanghai to New York remained stable at $3,562 per 40ft container. Drewry expects freight rates to remain relatively less volatile in the next week.
- Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt operations around the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in constrained conditions and limited vessel movement in the region. Although bunker fuel prices remain elevated compared to pre-conflict levels, they have eased from recent highs. As a result, fuel-related cost pressures persist but are not sufficient to offset the broader downward pressure on freight rates driven by weak demand.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) recently snapped a six-week rally—a surge initially triggered by higher bunker fuel prices following the late-February conflict in the Middle East. After trending downwards throughout January and early February, the index spiked in response to these geopolitical oil supply disruptions. That brief upwards momentum has now reversed, with the WCI falling 3% to $2,246 per 40ft container amid declining rates on Asia–Europe and Transpacific lanes.
- Spot rates from Shanghai to New York and Los Angeles decreased 3% to $3,552 and $2,810, respectively, per 40ft container. As per Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 9 blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for next week to maintain capacity. Few carriers have announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of around $2,000 per 40ft container, effective 1 May. Drewry expects freight rates to remain less volatile in the coming weeks before the implementation of the announced PSS.
- Spot rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam trade route decreased 3% to $2,229 per 40ft container, while rates on Shanghai–Genoa fell 2% to $3,343 per 40ft container. Carriers are increasing effective capacity on this trade, as only one blank sailing has been announced so far. Meanwhile, ZIM has announced a new bunker factor (NBF) of $850 per container, effective 1 May, but for now Drewry expects freight rates to remain stable next week.
- The US-led naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz has halted or restricted ships linked to Iran, with multiple vessels turned back. The disruption has strongly impacted global oil supply chains and pushed oil prices even higher. If ongoing negotiations fail, shippers should prepare for reduced schedule reliability, potential port omissions, longer lead times and upwards pressure on freight rates.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 1% to $2,309 per 40ft container, mainly driven by rising rates on the Transpacific and Transatlantic trade routes.
- Spot rates from Rotterdam to New York jumped 25% to $1,968 per 40ft box this week, breaking the usual trend of stability in the Transatlantic. The primary catalyst for this increase is a 13% MoM contraction in available ocean capacity for April.
- On the Transpacific route, spot rates from Shanghai to New York increased 7% to $3,671 per 40ft container, while those to Los Angeles rose 9% to $2,910. Maersk is seeking US regulatory approval to waive off the 30-day notice period and to introduce an emergency bunker surcharge, citing elevated and volatile fuel costs amid tensions in the Middle East. The proposed surcharge is $200 per teu for head-haul and $100 per teu for backhaul dry shipments. With carriers continuing to push for rate increases, Drewry expects spot rates to increase further in the coming weeks.
- Spot rates on the Asia–Europe trade declined this week, with those on Shanghai–Genoa falling 3% to $3,420 per 40ft container and on Shanghai–Rotterdam decreasing 9% to $2,308 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only one blank sailing has been announced for next week on the Asia–Europe trade, indicating relatively stable capacity.
- A temporary two-week ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz has allowed some shipping activity to resume, but the situation remains uncertain. Vessels are required to coordinate transit with Iranian authorities, and since no clear guidelines are available yet—along with proposed transit fees—carriers are proceeding cautiously. The immediate focus is on clearing ships already stuck in the Persian Gulf rather than sending new ones in. At the same time, disruptions to oil flows, which account for nearly 20% of global supply through the strait, are ongoing and may take months to fully normalise. This continues to squeeze bunker fuel availability, which is expected to keep freight rates elevated in the near term.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) remained stable at $2,287 per 40ft container, with rates holding steady on the Asia–Europe and Transpacific trade routes.
- Rates on Asia–Europe trades have remained relatively stable despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Spot rates on Shanghai–Genoa inched up 2% to $3,529 per 40ft container, while Shanghai–Rotterdam stayed unchanged at $2,543 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only 4 blank sailings have been announced for next week on the Asia–Europe trade, suggesting stable capacity. Meanwhile, Drewry expects spot rates to increase in the coming weeks as higher bunker fuel costs prompt carriers to implement emergency bunker fuel surcharges.
- On the Transpacific route, spot rates from Shanghai to New York increased 1% to $3,434 per 40ft container, while those to Los Angeles decreased 1% to $2,663. Maersk is seeking US regulatory approval to waive the 30-day notice period and introduce an emergency bunker surcharge, citing elevated and volatile fuel costs amid Middle East tensions. The proposed surcharge is $200 per teu for head-haul and $100 per teu for backhaul dry shipments. With carriers continuing to push for rate increases, Drewry expects spot rates to increase further in the coming weeks.
- Ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly 20% of global oil, have tightened bunker fuel availability and pushed prices higher. In Asia, fuel supplies in key hubs like Singapore and China are starting to tighten, prompting carriers to adopt operational measures such as slow steaming, alternative refuelling strategies and emergency fuel surcharges to manage costs. These measures are expected to keep freight rates elevated in the short term.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 5% to $2,279 per 40ft container, recording the fourth consecutive week of increases. This hike was supported by higher rates on the Asia–Europe and Transpacific trade routes, with those on Asia–Europe indicating a stronger rise.
- Spot rates on the Asia–Europe trade increased this week due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with a double-digit rise on Shanghai–Genoa and a smaller rise on Shanghai–Rotterdam. Freight rates on Shanghai–Genoa increased 12% to $3,474 per 40ft container, while rates to Rotterdam rose 3% to $2,552. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only 3 blank sailings have been announced for next week on the Asia–Europe trade, suggesting stable capacity. Meanwhile, carriers such as CMA CGM have announced higher FAK rates of around $3,500 per feu effective 1 April. With carriers continuing to push for rate increases, Drewry expects spot rates to increase further in the coming weeks.
- On the Transpacific route, spot rates from Shanghai to New York jumped 3% to $3,393 per 40ft container, while those to Los Angeles increased 4% to $2,686. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 6 blank sailings have been announced for the next week across the Transpacific East and West Coast trade routes. As ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt fuel supply and create uncertainty across global supply chains, Drewry expects spot rates to increase in the coming weeks.
- Ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly 20% of global oil, have tightened bunker fuel availability and pushed prices higher. In Asia, fuel supplies in key hubs like Singapore and China are starting to tighten, prompting carriers to adopt operational measures such as slow steaming, alternative refuelling strategies and emergency fuel surcharges to manage costs. These measures are expected to keep freight rates elevated in the short term.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 2% to $2,172 per 40ft container, the third consecutive week of uptrend, driven by higher rates on the Transpacific trade route.
- Rates on Asia–Europe trades have remained relatively stable despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Spot rates on Shanghai–Rotterdam inched up 1% to $2,478 per 40ft container, while Shanghai–Genoa stayed unchanged at $3,108 per 40ft container. As per Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only 3 blank sailings have been announced on the Asia–Europe trade route for next week, indicating steady capacity. At the same time, carriers such as MSC and CMA CGM have announced higher FAK rates, ranging from $6,200 to $6,400, effective 22 March. With carriers continuing to push rates, Drewry expects spot rates to rise further in the coming weeks.
- On the Transpacific route, rates from Shanghai to New York jumped 7% to $3,310 per 40ft container, while those from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 4% to $2,591 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 6 blank sailings have been announced for the next week on the Transpacific East and West Coast trade routes. As the situation in the Middle East continues to create uncertainty across global supply chains, supporting higher rates in the short term, Drewry expects spot rates on this trade to increase in the coming weeks.
- US and Israeli strikes on Iran have disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for nearly 20% of global oil—pushing crude prices higher and raising supply concerns. Rising costs have led carriers to introduce emergency fuel surcharges: CMA CGM raised its surcharge from $150/teu to $265/teu effective 16 March, while OOCL, COSCO and Maersk have also implemented temporary EBS (Emergency Bunker Surcharges). These measures are expected to drive freight costs up which would in turn increase freight rates.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 8% to $2,123 per 40ft container, mainly due to a sharp rise in rates on the Asia–Europe route, alongside gains on the Transpacific route. Notably, while double-digit growth was observed on the Transpacific route last week, the Asia–Europe route recorded a double-digit increase this week.
- Spot rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam trade route increased 19% to $2,443 per 40ft container and those on Shanghai–Genoa increased 10% to $3,120 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only 5 blank sailings have been announced on the Asia–Europe trade route next week. Meanwhile, several carriers such as MSC and CMA CGM have announced higher FAK rates effective 22 March. As carriers continue to manage capacity while implementing rate increases, Drewry expects spot rates to rise further in the coming weeks.
- Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 4% to $2,503 per 40ft container, while those from Shanghai to New York increased 3% to $3,080 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 7 blank sailings have been announced for the next week on the Transpacific East and West Coast trade routes. Meanwhile, the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to affect global supply chains, supporting higher freight rates in the short term. Drewry thus expects spot rates on this trade to increase in the coming weeks.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased +3% WoW to $1,958 per 40ft container, reflecting stronger Transpacific shipping rates while Asia–Europe routes remained under pressure.
- The WCI rose +3% WoW to $1,958 per container, with the increase primarily driven by higher spot rates on Transpacific trade routes.
- Asia–Europe shipping rates remained weaker, with Shanghai–Rotterdam declining -2% to $2,052 per container and Shanghai–Genoa increasing only +1% to $2,844, indicating continued pressure on pricing along these routes.
- Transpacific rates strengthened notably, with Shanghai–Los Angeles increasing +10% to $2,402 and Shanghai–New York rising +7% to $2,977 per container, reflecting improving pricing conditions on these routes.
- Carriers have announced only four blank sailings for next week on Transpacific East and West Coast routes, significantly fewer than the current week as Asian factories resume production after the Lunar New Year.
- On Asia–Europe routes, only four cancelled sailings have been scheduled for the next two weeks, as carriers begin adding capacity ahead of the seasonal rebound in shipping volumes typically seen in March.
- Drewry expects spot rates on both Asia–Europe and Transpacific routes to increase in the coming weeks as manufacturing activity in Asia continues to normalize after the holiday period.
- Geopolitical tensions involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have effectively frozen tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of global oil supply, raising crude oil prices and potentially increasing bunker fuel costs and freight rates.
The Drewry WCI fell -1% WoW to $1,899 per container, the seventh straight weekly decline.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam rates declined -1% to $2,094 and Shanghai–Genoa fell -2% to $2,826, continuing weakness on Asia–Europe routes.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles rates decreased -1% to $2,191 while Shanghai–New York held at $2,771, indicating mixed Transpacific pricing.
- Nine blank sailings were announced for next week on Transpacific routes, fewer than the current week as factories resume production after CNY.
- Rates typically rebound in March as Asian factories reopen, but rising capacity is expected to keep spot prices under pressure.
- Drewry expects Transpacific rates to remain stable next week despite recent declines.
- Policy discussion of a 10% global tariff rising to 15% signals additional trade policy uncertainty affecting shipping conditions.
The Drewry World Container Index fell -1% WoW to $1,919 per 40ft container, extending declines amid broad route weakness.
- Shanghai to New York spot rates declined -1% WoW to $2,782, while Shanghai to Los Angeles held flat at $2,219, indicating uneven conditions across Transpacific lanes.
- Carriers announced 31 blank sailings for next week on Transpacific East and West Coast routes, far above prior years, reflecting active capacity management to stabilize pricing.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam rates fell -1% WoW to $2,109 and Shanghai–Genoa declined -2% WoW to $2,895, continuing the downward trend on Asia–Europe trades.
- Eight blank sailings were scheduled on the Asia–Europe/Med route due to volatility and CNY factory closures, signaling supply adjustments in response to weaker demand.
- Spot rates peaked earlier than usual ahead of CNY and are now falling, running counter to the typical seasonal pre-holiday firming pattern.
- Drewry expects further modest declines across both Transpacific and Asia–Europe routes if normal seasonal patterns persist, reinforcing the soft market backdrop.
The Drewry World Container Index fell -1% WoW to $1,933 per 40ft container, marking a fifth consecutive weekly decline amid softening global freight demand.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles spot rates declined -1% WoW to $2,214 per 40ft container, while Shanghai–New York fell -1% WoW to $2,800, reflecting weaker Transpacific volumes linked to low cargo demand.
- Carriers announced 57 blank sailings over the next two weeks on Transpacific East and West Coast routes, significantly higher than in previous years, signaling active capacity management ahead of factory closures.
- Shanghai–Rotterdam rates dropped -2% WoW to $2,127 and Shanghai–Genoa declined -3% WoW to $2,965, extending losses on Asia–Europe lanes amid ongoing market volatility.
- On the Asia–Europe/Med trade route, 24 blank sailings were announced over the next two weeks, indicating further supply adjustments in response to weak demand and CNY-related disruptions.
- Spot rates peaked earlier than usual this year and are now falling sharply, contrary to typical pre-CNY seasonal firming, suggesting weaker-than-expected demand conditions.
- Drewry expects spot rates on both Transpacific and Asia–Europe routes to decline slightly in the coming weeks if normal seasonal patterns continue, reinforcing the current soft market backdrop.
The Drewry World Container Index fell -7% WoW to $1,959 per 40ft container, marking a fourth straight weekly decline amid weakening global freight demand, driven mainly by lower spot rates across the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.
- Shanghai–Los Angeles spot rates declined -8% WoW to $2,239 per container, indicating renewed softness on the U.S. West Coast lane.
- Shanghai–New York rates fell -5% WoW to $2,819, showing continued weakening on the Transpacific East Coast route.
- Asia–Europe rates extended losses for a fourth consecutive week, with Shanghai–Rotterdam down -9% WoW to $2,164 and Shanghai–Genoa down -7% WoW to $3,048.
- The usual pre–Lunar New Year shipping surge failed to materialise in 2026, contributing to weaker demand conditions across major routes.
- Carriers announced elevated blank sailings over the next three weeks (18, 27, and 28 on Transpacific routes; 9, 16, and 9 on Asia–Europe routes), reflecting aggressive capacity management amid soft volumes.
- Drewry noted spot rates are expected to decrease further in coming weeks as factory closures and market volatility persist.