After 11 weeks of decline, Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) stabilised this week. This stability is the result of opposing trends in different trade lanes. While a significant increase in Transpacific rates pushed the index up, a major drop in Asia–Europe rates counterbalanced this surge, resulting in a steady index overall.
After 11 consecutive weeks of decline, transpacific spot rates are on the rise on the back of GRI's announcements by several carriers. Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 8% to $2,522 per feu, while those from Shanghai to New York jumped 12% to $3,677 per feu. Despite the upcoming Golden Week holiday in China, it is unlikely that these rates will be sustainable without further cuts to shipping capacity. Hence, Drewry expects rates to remain stable in the upcoming weeks.
Asia–Europe spot rates fell this week, as rates on Shanghai–Rotterdam reduced 10% ($2,385/feu) and on Shanghai–Genoa slid 7% ($2,653/feu). Despite healthy demand and port delays in Europe, a growing surplus of vessel capacity has been pushing down spot rates on this trade lane. Therefore, Drewry predicts a further decline in spot rates in the coming weeks.
Drewry's Container Forecaster expects the supply-demand balance to weaken again in 2H25, which will cause spot rates to contract. The volatility and timing of rate changes will depend on Trump's future tariffs and on capacity changes related to the introduction of US penalties on Chinese ships, which are uncertain.
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