The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) recorded its second consecutive weekly increase, rising 2% to $1,957 per 40ft container, primarily driven by a significant surge in spot rates on the Asia–Europe trade lanes.
The composite WCI’s upward momentum was fueled by robust demand and pricing power on Europe-bound routes, which successfully offset a renewed softening in Transpacific freight rates.
Spot rates on the Asia-Europe trade lanes maintained their strength for a fourth consecutive week, with double-digit growth recorded on the Mediterranean route:
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Shanghai to Genoa surged 13% to $3,004 per 40ft container.
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Shanghai to Rotterdam increased by 5% to $2,361 per 40ft container.
According to Drewry, this resilience is rooted in a shift in seasonal demand patterns, with strong year-end volumes now established as the “new normal.” Furthermore, carriers are already observing early bookings ahead of the Lunar New Year in February 2026. Consequently, Drewry forecasts further slight rate increases on the Asia-Europe routes in the coming week.
In contrast, the recovery in Transpacific headhaul rates was short-lived, with spot rates declining this week:
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Shanghai to Los Angeles dropped 7% to $2,103 per 40ft container.
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Shanghai to New York decreased 5% to $2,756 per 40ft container.
Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight shows that carriers are attempting to stabilize the falling rates by significantly increasing blank sailings, with 12 cancellations already announced for next week. However, the strategy is currently struggling due to insufficient cargo volume—most Christmas inventory was shipped in November. This lack of demand is expected to cause rates to soften slightly in the coming week.
