World Container Index – 13 August 2026

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Posted by Daily Cargo News
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13 Aug, 2026

THE DREWRY World Container Index (WCI), increased 1% to $4,339 per 40ft container, driven by higher rates on the Transpacific trade route.

Source: Drewry World Container Index

On the Transpacific trade route, spot rates increased again this week, with rates from Shanghai to New York rising 10% to $8,706 per 40ft container and rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increasing 6% to $6,244 per 40ft container. Carriers are actively restricting space by utilising blank sailings. According to Drewry's Container Capacity Insight, 10 sailings were cancelled in each of the past two weeks, with another seven cancellations planned for next week. Drewry expects freight rates to remain less volatile next week due to tightened capacity.
Additionally, several carriers have announced Panama Canal surcharges on Asia–USEC and Asia–Gulf Coast trade routes effective September.

Source: Drewry World Container Index

On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates declined this week, with rates from Shanghai to Genoa falling 8% to $5,080 per 40ft container and from Shanghai to Rotterdam decreasing 5% to $4,425 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only three blank sailings are announced for next week, the same as the previous week, reflecting constrained capacity. Meanwhile, some carriers have announced new FAK rates ranging from $6,700 to $7,100 per 40ft container on the Asia–Med trade route, effective 15 August, but weakening demand raises questions over the sustainability of these prices. Drewry expects rates to remain stable next week.

The East–West container market remained volatile, with ongoing security concerns in the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz, restrictions on Panama Canal transits, congestion at Asian ports following typhoon Dolphin and low-water conditions in the Rhine river impacting inland transportation across Europe. These disruptions continue to affect vessel schedules and supply chain reliability. Carriers are pursuing rates through capacity management and surcharge announcements. Shippers are advised to book early and allow additional lead time to reduce the risk of cargo rollovers and transit delays..