World Container Index – 22 October 2026

THE DREWRY World Container Index (WCI), increased 2% to $4,585 per 40ft container, driven by higher rates on the Asia to Europe and Transpacific trade routes.

Source: Drewry World Container Index

Source: Drewry World Container Index

On the Asia–Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 3% to $3,632 per 40ft container and those from Shanghai to Genoa grew 5% to $4,152 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, eight blank sailings have been announced for next week, up from two this week, indicating tight capacity. Carriers are reducing capacity via blank sailings to put upwards pressure on freight rates. Meanwhile, congestion at key Asian ports has eased, with vessel waiting times at Shanghai falling from 97 hours in Week 38 to 38 hours in Week 42, indicating significant improvement in port operations. Drewry expects rates to increase slightly next week amid tight capacity.

The East-West container freight market remains uncertain. Security risks and attacks on ships continue to affect vessel movements through the Gulf, with only two containerships sailing into the Gulf in Week 42, down from five the previous week. Meanwhile, sailings through the Suez Canal increased slightly, from 54 in Week 41 to 55 in Week 42. Transpacific rates continue to receive support from US import demand, while carriers are attempting to sustain Asia–Europe rates through capacity management and surcharges. Although easing congestion at key Asian ports is improving vessel waiting times, the outlook remains dependent on demand, capacity adjustments and developments in regional security.