For nearly a decade, Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) has been the industry standard, independent worldwide benchmark for index-linked contracts. Companies interested in index-linked freight contracts or needing more regional exposure outside of the eight key trade lanes should contact Drewry’s ocean freight cost benchmarking team, reports Drewry.
WCI Composite Index Increases by 8% This Week
The WCI composite index rose 8% this week to $2,233 per 40-foot container, showing a significant rise in world freight rates. Although the index is up, it remains 78% lower than the pandemic high of $10,377 in September 2021. It is, however, 57% above the 2019 pre-pandemic average of $1,420.
Year-to-Date Average Remains Below Long-Term Trend
To date in 2025, the year-to-date (YTD) average of the WCI composite index stands at $2,746, which is $151 below the 10-year average at $2,896 — a level swelled by the extraordinary pandemic-fueled record high in rates across 2020–2022.
Spot Rate Rises on Major Transpacific Trade Routes
- Shanghai to New York: Rates rose 19% (by $704) to $4,350 per 40ft container.
- Shanghai to Los Angeles: Rates jumped 16% (up $423) to $3,136 per 40ft container.
Modest Gains and Losses on Other Routes
- New York to Rotterdam: Minor 1% rise (up $10) to $824 per 40ft container.
- Shanghai to Rotterdam: Dropped 1% to $2,035.
- Shanghai to Genoa: Fell 1% to $2,742.
- Rotterdam to New York: Down 1% to $1,961.
Rates on Rotterdam to Shanghai and Los Angeles to Shanghai were unchanged week-on-week.
Rate Outlook: Transpacific Increases Expected
After the latest U.S.–China trade updates, Drewry expects yet another boost in Transpacific spot rates in the next week from a capacity shortfall.
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Source: Drewry
