The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 5% this week to US$4,166 per 40ft container. The composite index reached its highest level since September 2024. It also stands 40% higher than a year ago.
Higher Transpacific rates drove the increase. Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles climbed 12% to US$5,750 per 40ft container. Rates from Shanghai to New York rose 6% to US$7,149 per 40ft container.
According to Drewry, capacity remains tight on the Transpacific trade. Carriers have announced only four blank sailings for next week. At the same time, importers continue to frontload shipments ahead of potential tariff changes and higher bunker-related costs.
Drewry also noted that carriers plan to introduce General Rate Increases (GRIs) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) in July. As a result, the consultancy expects Transpacific rates to continue rising in the coming weeks.
On the Asia-Europe trade, spot rates remained largely stable. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 1% to US$4,392 per 40ft container. Rates from Shanghai to Genoa remained unchanged at US$5,759 per 40ft container.
Only three blank sailings are scheduled on the Asia-Europe trade next week. Capacity remains constrained. Carriers also continue to maintain firm pricing ahead of the 1 July bunker fuel adjustment.
Drewry said CMA CGM has announced new Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates of US$6,300 per 40ft container from Asia to Europe. The carrier also introduced FAK rates of between US$7,700 and US$8,500 per 40ft container for Asia-Mediterranean shipments.
In addition, CMA CGM announced Peak Season Surcharges of US$1,000 per 20ft container on the Asia-Europe trade and US$1,400 per 20ft container on the Asia-Mediterranean trade. The surcharges will take effect on 1 July.
Drewry said the US-Iran ceasefire has reduced disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz, although conditions remain fragile. Meanwhile, congestion at major Asian and European ports continues to limit vessel availability. Strong cargo demand is also keeping capacity tight across the main east-west trades.
The consultancy said carriers are successfully implementing higher FAK rates and Peak Season Surcharges. These measures continue to support higher spot freight rates.
Drewry expects freight rates to increase further in the coming weeks as shippers continue to face limited capacity and short-term pricing volatility.
