25.08.25WCI Decreases 4% in Week 34

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) decreased 4% from the previous week to $2,250 per FEU in Week 34, declining for the 10th consecutive week. From a year earlier, the index plunged 58%. Unpredictability began after U.S. tariffs were announced in April, which caused rates to surge from May through early June. Subsequently, the market saw a heavy decline until mid-July, after which the downward trend lost momentum and the rate of decrease slowed considerably.

Trans-Pacific spot rates slid last week, as rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles fell 3% ($82) to $2,412 per FEU, and from Shanghai to New York, 5% ($175) to $3,463 per FEU. The phase of accelerated purchasing by U.S. retailers, which induced an early peak season, has ended. In response to a decelerating U.S. economy and increased tariff costs, they are now scaling back on procurement. Hence, Drewry expects spot rates to be less volatile in the coming weeks.

Asia–Europe spot rates declined as well, as rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 6% ($203) to $2,973 per FEU, and from Shanghai to Genoa, 3% ($106) to $2,978 per FEU.