News
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 1% from the previous week to $4,500 per FEU in Week 38, driven by a rise in rates on the trans-Pacific trade route. From a year earlier, it was 135% higher.
On the trans-Pacific trade, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 5% to $7,712 per FEU, while those from Shanghai to New York rose 7% to $10,394 per FEU. Carriers are managing capacity through blank sailings ahead of China's Golden Week. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, nine blank sailings have been announced for this week, up from eight last week, indicating tighter capacity. Drewry expects rates to rise slightly next week amid impending pre-Golden Week demand and continued capacity management by carriers.
On the Asia–Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Genoa fell 5% to $4,016 per FEU and slid 9% to $3,626 per FEU from Shanghai to Rotterdam. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, four blank sailings are announced for this week, up from one last week, indicating tight capacity. Waiting time in Shanghai increased from 65 hours in Week 36 to 78 hours in Week 37. With tight capacity and continued congestion in Asia, Drewry expects rates to decline slightly next week, as demand remains weak.
