Drewry’s World Container Index Falls 2% to $3,364 Per 40ft Container

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) dropped 2% this week, settling at $3,364 per 40ft container as of 30 January 2025. While significantly below the pandemic peak of $10,377 in September 2021, current rates remain 137% higher than the pre-pandemic average of $1,420 in 2019.

Key Highlights

• Current WCI Rate: $3,364 per 40ft container.
• Change: 2% decrease this week.
• Annual Comparison: 137% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic average.
• Year-to-Date (YTD) Average: $3,711 per 40ft container, exceeding the 10-year average of $2,876.

Freight Rate Movements on Key Trade Routes

• Shanghai to Rotterdam: ↓5% ($160 drop) to $3,274.
• Shanghai to Genoa: ↓4% ($162 drop) to $4,400.
• Rotterdam to New York: ↓2% ($46 drop) to $2,732.
• Shanghai to New York: ↓1% to $6,288.
• Shanghai to Los Angeles: ↓1% to $4,771.
• New York to Rotterdam: ↑2% ($18 increase) to $839.
• Rotterdam to Shanghai: ↑1% ($3 increase) to $518.
• Los Angeles to Shanghai: Stable.

Market Outlook

Drewry anticipates further slight declines in spot freight rates next week due to increased shipping capacity.

This trend reflects ongoing market corrections, balancing post-pandemic supply chain normalization and fluctuating demand across major East-West trade lanes.