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.