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Posted by Daily Cargo News
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3 July, 2026
THE DREWRY World Container Index (WCI), surged 9% to $4,530 per 40ft container due to rate increases on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.
Source: Drewry World Container Index
Source: Drewry World Container Index
On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates increased this week as carriers implemented higher FAK rates and PSS amid strong peak season demand. Freight rates from Shanghai to Genoa rose 10% to $6,360 per 40ft container and those from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 7% to $4,682 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only one blank sailing has been announced on the Asia to Europe trade route for the next week, as carriers maintain disciplined capacity management amid strong demand. Drewry expects rates to rise in the coming weeks.
The East-West container freight market has remained resilient this year, supported by early peak season demand and higher shipping costs stemming from geopolitical disruptions. The interim US–Iran agreement has facilitated the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with vessel traffic recovering following the evacuation of stranded ships and the designation of authorised transit routes. However, security risks remain elevated after the suspension of ship escort operations following an attack on a containership near Oman. As a result, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to underpin market uncertainty.
