Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) climbed 2% this week to $2,172 per 40-foot container, marking a third consecutive week of gains. Higher rates on the Transpacific trade route drove the increase, according to Drewry’s assessment of March 19, 2026.
On the Transpacific, Shanghai to New York jumped 7% to $3,310 per 40-foot container. Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 4% to $2,591. Drewry announced six blank sailings on Transpacific East and West Coast routes for next week. It expects rates on this trade to keep rising in the near term.
Asia-Europe rates held relatively steady despite ongoing Middle East tensions. Shanghai to Rotterdam edged up 1% to $2,478 per 40-foot container. Shanghai to Genoa stayed flat at $3,108. Only three blank sailings are scheduled on the Asia-Europe route next week, signalling stable capacity. However, MSC and CMA CGM have both announced higher FAK rates ranging from $6,200 to $6,400 per 40-foot container, effective March 22. Drewry expects spot rates on this trade to rise further in the coming weeks.
The Strait of Hormuz situation is adding fresh pressure across the board. US and Israeli strikes on Iran have disrupted tanker traffic through the strait, a route that carries nearly 20% of global oil. Crude prices have risen and carriers have responded with emergency fuel surcharges. CMA CGM raised its surcharge from $150 to $265 per TEU, effective March 16. OOCL, COSCO and Maersk have also introduced temporary Emergency Bunker Surcharges. Drewry expects these measures to push freight costs — and rates — higher.
