As Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA) reported, Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) edged down 1% in Week 36 to US$2,104 per FEU. The index now sits 56% lower than the same week last year.
The small decline followed 11 straight weeks of drops. Trans-Pacific rates climbed, but sharp falls on Asia-Europe lanes offset the gains, keeping the index stable overall.
Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 8% ($190) to US$2,522 per FEU. Rates to New York jumped 12% (US$386) to US$3,677 per FEU. Still, Drewry warned that the increases may not last. With China’s Golden Week approaching, rates are unlikely to hold without deeper capacity cuts.
On the Asia-Europe trade, rates fell further. Shanghai–Rotterdam dropped 10% (US$276) to U$2,385 per FEU. Shanghai–Genoa slipped 7% (US$189) to US$2,653 per FEU. Drewry noted that while European demand remains healthy and ports face delays, a surplus of vessels continues to drag rates down. The consultancy expects further declines in the coming weeks.
