DREWRY'S World Container Index (WCI) rose 12% to $2,182 per 40ft container, marking the third consecutive weekly increase, mainly due to rate hikes on Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.
Source: Drewry World Container Index
Following the previous week’s decline that pushed spot rates to their second lowest level since January 2025, rates on the Transpacific headhaul recovered this week. Spot rates from Shanghai to New York climbed 19% to $3,293 per 40ft container, while those to Los Angeles rose 18% to $2,474. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 10 blank sailings have been announced for the next week on the Transpacific trade lane.
Source: Drewry World Container Index
Spot rates on the Shanghai–Genoa route saw a double-digit surge, rising 10% to $3,314 per 40ft container, while those on the Shanghai–Rotterdam expanded 8% to $2,539. Spot rates on the Asia–Europe trade route have successfully maintained stable or rising rate levels for three consecutive weeks. This strength is driven by a shift in seasonal patterns. Over the last three years, Drewry has recorded a double-digit MoM demand growth in December, establishing strong year-end volumes as the ‘new normal’. As carriers are already recording early bookings ahead of the impending Lunar New Year in February 2026, Drewry expects further slight rate increases next week.