The latest data from the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) reveals a second consecutive week of significant decline in global freight rates. The index dropped 10% to $2,212 per 40ft container, signaling a cooling market as the post-Chinese New Year demand softens.
The downturn is most pronounced on major trade lanes connecting Asia to North America and Europe. Despite carrier efforts to stabilize the market through increased blank sailings, spot rates have continued to retreat:
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Shanghai to Los Angeles: Decreased 12% to $2,546.
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Shanghai to New York: Decreased 11% to $3,191.
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Shanghai to Rotterdam: Decreased 9% to $2,510.
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Shanghai to Genoa: Decreased 8% to $3,520.
As rates slide, major carriers are adopting conflicting operational strategies regarding the Red Sea transit. This “divergent approach” highlights the industry’s ongoing struggle with geopolitical risk and capacity management:
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CMA CGM is actively rerouting three Asia–Europe services away from the Suez Canal, opting for the longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope.
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Maersk, by contrast, has announced plans to resume scheduled service from India to the U.S. East Coast via the Suez Canal, effective January 26.
Industry analysts suggest these conflicting decisions may inadvertently benefit market stability. By reintroducing shipping capacity gradually—a “drip-feed” approach—carriers can better assess risks without flooding the market with excess space. This controlled re-entry is seen as a vital buffer against a catastrophic collapse in spot rates.
“This phased approach allows carriers to carefully calibrate their future networks,” says the report. “While Drewry expects rates to continue their decline in the coming weeks, the gradual return of capacity prevents a sudden market shock.”
