The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) has reported its fourth consecutive weekly increase, rising 1% to $2,213 per 40ft container. This steady growth is primarily fueled by sustained rate hikes across critical Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade lanes.
Spot rates on the Asia–Europe corridor continue to demonstrate resilience, maintaining stable or rising levels for a full month. Key highlights from this week’s data include:
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Shanghai to Genoa: Increased 3% to $3,427 per 40ft container.
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Shanghai to Rotterdam: Increased 2% to $2,584 per 40ft container.
A significant shift in seasonal market behavior drives this trend. Over the past three years, Drewry has identified a consistent double-digit month-over-month (MoM) demand growth in December, effectively establishing high year-end volumes as a permanent fixture in the shipping calendar.
Following the double-digit surges recorded last week, rates from Shanghai to New York and Los Angeles remained steady this week. Drewry analysts anticipate that Transpacific rates will maintain this stability through the coming week.
The market is already feeling the influence of the upcoming Lunar New Year in February 2026. With carriers reporting a surge in early bookings, Drewry expects a further slight increase in global rates in the next reporting period.
