News
The World Container Index (WCI) decreased 2% from the previous week to $2,157 per FEU in Week 17, according to Drewry. The composite index, which has been on the decline for two weeks running, was lower by 20% than a year earlier. It was 79% below the previous pandemic peak of $10,377 per FEU in September 2021. However, it was 52% higher than the average of $1,420 per FEU in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The year-to-date average closed at $2,854 per FEU, $38 higher than the 10-year average of $2,891 per FEU, which is inflated by the exceptional 2020-22 COVID period.
Freight rates from Shanghai to New York decreased 3%, or $95 to $3,611 per FEU. Those from Shanghai to Los Angeles and from Rotterdam to Shanghai decreased 2%, or $66 to $2,617 per FEU and 2%, or $12 to $481 per FEU, respectively. Similarly, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam and from Rotterdam to New York fell 1%, or $32 to $2,312 per FEU and 1%, or $20 to $2,109 per FEU, respectively, whereas those from New York to Rotterdam increased 1%, or $8 to $825 per 40ft container. Meanwhile, rates from Shanghai to Genoa and from Los Angeles to Shanghai both remained stable.
Drewry expects rates to continue to decline in the coming week due to uncertainty stemming from reciprocal tariffs.
