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.