The global container shipping market saw a significant reversal this week as the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 7% to $1,927 per 40ft container, ending three weeks of decline. The upward movement was primarily driven by successful rate increases implemented across the vital Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.
The rebound pushes spot rates off their recent lows, reflecting new strategies adopted by carriers to stabilize and grow pricing.
- Global Index Recovery: The composite Drewry WCI climbed 7% to $1,927 per 40ft container.
- Transpacific Bounce Back: Spot rates on the Transpacific headhaul routes, which had previously hit their lowest levels since January 2025, recovered strongly. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 8% to $2,256 per 40ft container, and rates to New York increased 6% to $2,895.
- Asia–Europe Sustains Gains: The Asia–Europe routes showed greater price momentum. The Shanghai–Genoa route recorded a double-digit hike, surging 15% to $2,648 per 40ft container. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam edged up 4% to $2,241 per 40ft container, maintaining successful rate levels for a third consecutive week.
A notable factor in the rate stabilization is the adoption of a weekly, rather than fortnightly, General Rate Increase (GRI) strategy by some carriers on the Transpacific route. This tactical shift involves introducing smaller, more frequent increases to maintain consistent upward pressure on spot rates and prevent the rapid erosion typically seen with large, announced hikes.
Drewry anticipates stable rates in the immediate week ahead as this strategy proves effective.
While carriers successfully pushed rates this week, the Asia–Europe trade continues to navigate uncertainty surrounding the Suez Canal. Carriers still view the Suez as the natural and most economical route. A full return to normal transits would inject significant capacity back into the market, potentially exerting gradual downward pressure on rates, though port congestion caused by network realignment could mitigate this effect in the short term. The ongoing volatility ensures that rate management remains a high priority ahead of crucial annual contract negotiations.
