The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) declined for the third consecutive week, highlighting continued pressure on global container freight rates.
The composite index fell 1% to $2,216 per 40ft container, driven by softer pricing across major east–west trade routes.
Rates fall despite cost pressures
Freight rates declined on Asia–Europe, Transpacific, and Transatlantic routes.
This comes even as fuel costs rise and geopolitical risks persist, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
Weak demand and excess vessel capacity continue to outweigh these upward cost pressures.
Asia–Europe rates continue to weaken
Rates from Shanghai to Europe edged lower:
- Shanghai–Genoa: down 1% to $3,039 per FEU
- Shanghai–Rotterdam: down 1% to $2,127 per FEU
Carriers are cutting capacity to stabilize the market. Seven blank sailings are planned for the coming week.
Capacity is expected to decline:
- 3% month-on-month on Asia–North Europe
- 10% month-on-month on Asia–Mediterranean in May
Transpacific shows mixed trends
On the Transpacific trade:
- Shanghai–New York rates dropped 2% to $3,483 per FEU
- Shanghai–Los Angeles remained stable at $2,930 per FEU
Eight blank sailings are scheduled for next week, but capacity will increase in May:
- +11% MoM on Asia–US East Coast
- +6% MoM on Asia–US West Coast
Carriers introduce surcharges
Shipping lines are adding surcharges to offset rising costs:
- Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) are increasing
- Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) are being introduced
For example, MSC raised its EFS on Asia–US East Coast routes, while CMA CGM launched a $2,000 per FEU PSS.
Outlook: slight rebound expected
Carriers remain cautious as geopolitical risks persist. They continue to adjust capacity and pricing.
Despite weak demand, Drewry expects rates to increase slightly next week, supported by new surcharges.
