Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) fell 4% this week, reaching $2,445 per 40ft container. The decline was driven by weaker rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.
Spot rates from Shanghai to New York dropped 10% to $3,568 per 40ft container, while Shanghai–Los Angeles rates fell 7% to $2,909. Despite expectations of upward pressure from the upcoming Chinese New Year factory shutdowns in mid-February, carriers could not sustain higher rates due to weak demand.
On Asia–Europe routes, Shanghai–Rotterdam spot rates decreased 3% to $2,763, and Shanghai–Genoa rates fell 1% to $3,839 per 40ft container. Plans to resume Red Sea transits remain on hold amid escalating protests in Iran and the risk of direct US military intervention, adding to regional volatility.
