-
The Drewry World Container Index rebounded this week after three consecutive weeks of decline, increasing 1% to $4,297 per 40ft container, driven by stronger rates on the transpacific trade route
-
Spot rates strengthened on the transpacific lanes, with Shanghai–New York up 4% and Shanghai–Los Angeles up 3
-
The Drewry Intra-Asia Container Index also rose 1% to $970 per 40ft container, ending a six-week decline
-
Freight rates on the Asia–Europe trade route remained broadly stable
-
The East–West container freight market remained volatile with the continuing Middle East tensions, new US tariffs and congestion at Asian ports
-
With passage through the Strait of Hormuz still uncertain, several carriers introduced Emergency Fuel Surcharges from August
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rebounded this week after three consecutive weeks of decline, increasing 1% to $4,297 per 40ft container, driven by stronger rates on the transpacific trade route.
Spot rates strengthened on the transpacific, with Shanghai–New York up 4% and Shanghai–Los Angeles up 3%, Drewry Shipping Consultants Limited said in its latest supply chain advisory.
WCI is the benchmark widely used by procurement teams worldwide.
The transpacific prices were “supported by successful General Rate Increases (GRIs), resilient August volumes and continued port congestion across central and southern China. With blank sailings unchanged week-on-week, Drewry expects freight rate volatility to ease in the coming week,” The international maritime research and consulting firm said.
The Drewry Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) also rose 1% to $970 per 40ft container, ending a six-week decline as ongoing Middle East tensions supported freight rates across most trade lanes.
Freight rates on the Asia–Europe trade route, meanwhile, remained broadly stable, with Shanghai–Genoa declining 2% to $5,506 per 40ft container while Shanghai–Rotterdam was unchanged at $4,653 per 40ft container.
Drewry said carriers on the Asia-Europe lane continue to manage capacity through blank sailings, and rates are seen to remain stable with no change expected in available capacity next week.
The East–West container freight market remained volatile with the continuing Middle East tensions, new US tariffs and congestion at Asian ports. With passage through the Strait of Hormuz still uncertain, several carriers introduced Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) from August.
READ: PH forms panel as US slaps 12.5% tariff on imports tied to forced labor
Overall, container freight markets showed signs of stabilization this week as carriers maintained disciplined capacity management and demand remained resilient on key trade routes. Drewry expects relatively stable freight rate conditions in the week ahead despite the influence of geopolitical tensions on regional markets.
