The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) remained stable in Week 47 at $1,852 per FEU, as Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA) reported. Lower trans-Pacific rates and higher Asia-Europe rates balanced each other. The index is down 46% compared to the same week last year.
Spot rates on the trans-Pacific trade fell for the second week in a row. Shanghai to New York dropped 10% ($299) to $2,922 per FEU. Shanghai to Los Angeles fell 7% ($156) to $2,172 per FEU. Drewry expects rates to soften slightly as blank sailings decrease and capacity rises.
Asia-Europe spot rates increased for the sixth consecutive week. Shanghai to Genoa rose 6% ($126) to $2,319 per FEU, while Shanghai to Rotterdam climbed 8% ($165) to $2,193 per FEU. Carriers are introducing higher freight-all-kinds (FAK) rates of $3,100–$4,000 per FEU starting Dec. 1 to boost spot rates ahead of new annual contract negotiations.
