Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) dropped 1% this week to $1,899 per 40-foot container. The decline marks the seventh consecutive weekly decrease.
Rates on Transpacific and Asia-Europe trade routes drove the fall. Shanghai-Rotterdam rates fell 1% to $2,094 per container. Shanghai-Genoa dropped 2% to $2,826.
Volumes typically rebound in March as Asian factories reopen. However, rates are expected to remain under pressure due to rising capacity. Drewry expects spot rates on Asia-Europe trades to soften in coming weeks.
Shanghai-Los Angeles rates decreased 1% to $2,191 per container. Shanghai-New York rates remained stable at $2,771.
Carriers announced 9 blank sailings for next week on Transpacific East and West Coast trade lanes. The number is lower than this week as factories gradually return to full production after Chinese New Year. Drewry expects Transpacific rates to remain stable next week.
The Trump administration is exploring alternative measures to reinstate tariffs. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last April’s tariffs illegal. Options include an immediate 10% global tariff with plans to increase it to 15%. The moves signal continued policy uncertainty.
