News
The World Container Index (WCI) decreased 3% from the previous week to $2,091 per FEU in Week 18, remaining on a downward path for the third consecutive week, according to Drewry. The composite index was 23% below than a year earlier and 80% below the previous pandemic peak of $10,377 per FEU in September 2021. However, it was 47% above the average of $1,420 per FEU in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The year-to-date average closed at $2,811 per FEU, $82 lower than the 10-year average of $2,893 per FEU, which is inflated by the exceptional 2020-22 COVID period.
Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam decreased 5%, or $110 to $2,202 per FEU. Those from Rotterdam to Shanghai decreased 4%, or $17 to $464 per FEU and from Shanghai to Genoa decreased 4%, or $123 to $2,889 per FEU. Rates from Shanghai to New York decreased 3%, $111 to $3,500 per FEU and from Rotterdam to New York, 3%, or %68 to $2,041 per FEU. Also, rates from Los Angeles to Shanghai decreased 2%, or $16 to $689 per FEU, and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles, 1%, or $27 to $2,590 per FEU. Those from New York to Rotterdam increased 2%, or $17 to $842 per FEU.
Drewry expects rates to continue declining in the coming week due to uncertainty stemming from the reciprocal tariffs announced by the U.S. government.
