The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the leading independent global benchmark for container freight rates, reported a significant 16% increase this week, bringing the composite index to $2,557 per 40ft container.
The surge is primarily attributed to aggressive Freight All Kinds (FAK) rate hikes implemented by carriers, specifically targeting Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade lanes.
The latest data reveals substantial upward momentum in spot rates departing from Shanghai:
| Route | New Rate (per 40ft) | Percentage Increase |
| Shanghai to Los Angeles | $3,132 | 26% |
| Shanghai to New York | $3,957 | 20% |
| Shanghai to Genoa | $3,885 | 13% |
| Shanghai to Rotterdam | $2,840 | 10% |
Despite the sharp rise in pricing, market fundamentals suggest a complex landscape for the month of January. While capacity on Asia–North American routes grew by 7–10% month-over-month, and Asia–Europe/Mediterranean routes saw a 5–7% increase, demand signals remain mixed.
Industry analysts note that while rates are climbing, anecdotal evidence points toward soft cargo volumes from Asia to the United States. This suggests that the current price spikes may be opportunistic rather than demand-driven, raising questions regarding the long-term sustainability of these increases.
