- WCI posts third straight weekly rise.
- Transpacific rates rebound sharply.
- Asia–Europe trade shows sustained strength.
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) saw a notable increase of 12%, reaching $2,182 for a 40ft container, marking its third week in a row of gains. This uptick was primarily driven by rising rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes, reports Drewry.
Transpacific Rates Bounce Back
After hitting their second-lowest point since January 2025 last week, Transpacific headhaul rates made a strong comeback. Spot rates from Shanghai to New York surged by 19%, now sitting at $3,293 for a 40ft container, while rates to Los Angeles rose by 18% to $2,474.
Capacity Management Helps Stabilise Prices
As per Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, carriers have planned 10 blank sailings for the upcoming week on the Transpacific route, which is anticipated to bolster the recent recovery in rates.
Asia–Europe Rates Experience Solid Gains
Spot rates on the Shanghai–Genoa route jumped by 10%, reaching $3,314 for a 40ft container. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam also saw an increase, climbing 8% to $2,539.
Seasonal Demand Shift Enhances Market Stability
Rates on the Asia–Europe trade have either remained steady or increased for three weeks straight. Drewry attributes this stability to shifting seasonal trends, noting that December has consistently shown double-digit month-on-month demand growth over the past three years.
Positive Outlook Ahead
With carriers already noticing early bookings in anticipation of the Lunar New Year in February 2026, Drewry expects spot rates to see further slight increases in the week to come.
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Source: Drewry
