25.01.20WCI Decreases 3% in Week 3

The World Container Index (WCI) decreased 3% from the previous week to $3,855 per FEU in Week 3, 2% higher than the same week of 2023, according to Drewry. The composite index was 63% below the previous pandemic peak of $10,377 per FEU in September 2021 but 171% above the average of $1,420 per in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The year-to-date average was $3,915 per FEU, $1,045 higher than the 10-year average of $2,871 per FEU, which is inflated by the exceptional 2020-22 COVID period.

Freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 5%, or $248 to $5,228 per FEU. Similarly, rates from Shanghai to New York fell 4%, or $260 to $6,825 per FEU. Those from Shanghai to Rotterdam dropped 3%, or $144 to $4,231 per FEU. Those from Shanghai to Genoa reduced 2%, or $124 to $5,086 per FEU, and rates from Rotterdam to Shanghai, 1%, or $4 to $518 per FEU. Conversely, spot rates from Rotterdam to New York increased 4%, or $100 to $2,798 per FEU. Those from Los Angeles to Shanghai rose 1%, or $6 to $725 per FEU. Meanwhile, rates from New York to Rotterdam remained stable.

Drewry expects spot rates to decrease slightly in the coming weeks due to increased capacity.