The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the leading independent benchmark for the global shipping industry, reported a 4% decrease this week, bringing the composite rate to $2,445 per 40ft container. This decline is primarily attributed to a cooling of spot rates across major Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade lanes.
Despite the traditional upward pressure on rates ahead of the Chinese New Year factory shutdowns in mid-February, ocean carriers have struggled to maintain price levels due to sluggish demand.
The most significant shifts were observed on routes to the U.S. East and West Coasts:
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Shanghai to New York: Dropped 10% to $3,568 per 40ft container.
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Shanghai to Los Angeles: Decreased 7% to $2,909 per 40ft container.
Rates on Asia–Europe routes also saw a downward trend, though more moderate than their Transpacific counterparts. Shanghai to Rotterdam rates fell 3% to $2,763, while Shanghai to Genoa saw a marginal 1% dip to $3,839 per 40ft container.
Beyond supply and demand, the region remains gripped by geopolitical volatility. Ocean carriers have officially suspended plans to resume transits via the Red Sea. This decision follows escalating protests in Iran and the heightened risk of direct U.S. military intervention, factors that continue to disrupt predictable shipping schedules and contribute to market instability.
| Route | Current Rate (per 40ft) | Percentage Change |
| WCI Composite Index | $2,445 | -4% |
| Shanghai – New York | $3,568 | -10% |
| Shanghai – Los Angeles | $2,909 | -7% |
| Shanghai – Rotterdam | $2,763 | -3% |
| Shanghai – Genoa | $3,839 | -1% |
