25.04.14WCI Increase for B2B Weeks

The World Container Index (WCI) increased 3% from the previous week to $2,265 per FEU in Week 15, marking a week-on-week rise for two consecutive weeks, according to Drewry. The composite index was 78% below the previous pandemic peak of $10,377 per FEU in September 2021 but 59% above the average $1,420 per FEU in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The year-to-date average closed at $2,944 per FEU, $55 higher than the 10-year average of $2,889 per FEU, which is inflated by the exceptional 2020-22 COVID period.

Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 4% to $2,392 per FEU, and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 3% to $2,815 per FEU. Similarly, rates from Rotterdam to Shanghai and from Shanghai to New York swelled 2% to $475 and 2% to $3,976 per FEU, respectively. Likewise, rates from Shanghai to Genoa and from Rotterdam to New York increased 1% to $3,071 and 1% to $2,153 per FEU, respectively, whereas rates from New York to Rotterdam decreased 1% to $824 per FEU. Meanwhile, rates from Los Angeles to Shanghai remained stable.

In the coming weeks, Drewry expects rates to increase due to tariffs and reduced capacity.