25.03.10WCI Decreases 3% in Week 10

The World Container Index (WCI) decreased 3% from the previous week to $2,541 per FEU in Week 10, which plunged 23% from a year earlier, according to Drewry. The composite index was 76% below the previous pandemic peak of $10,377 per FEU in September 2021 and the lowest since January 2024. However, it was 79% above the average  of $1,420 per FEU in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The year-to-date average was $3,289 per FEU, $405 higher than the 10-year average of $2,883 per FEU, which is inflated by the exceptional 2020-22 COVID period.

Freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 9%, or $311 to $3,166 per FEU, and those from Shanghai to New York declined 6%, or $273 to $4,320 per FEU. Similarly, rates from Rotterdam to Shanghai fell 4%, or $20 to $483 per FEU, and those from Rotterdam to New York reduced 1%, or $15 to $2,359 per FEU. In contrast, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased, 2% or $50 to $2,636 per FEU, and those from New York to Rotterdam rose 1% ,or $10 to $845 per FEU. Meanwhile, rates from Shanghai to Genoa and from Los Angeles to Shanghai both remained stable.

Drewry expects rates to continue to decrease next week due to increased shipping capacity.