The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, decreased 1% to $4,468 per 40ft container, due to a decrease in rates on the Asia-Europe trade route.
On the Transpacific trade, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 2% to $7,838 per 40ft container, while those from Shanghai to New York remained stable at $10,373 per 40ft container. Meanwhile, carriers continue to manage capacity via blank sailings. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 15 blank sailings have been announced for next week, up from nine this week, indicating tight capacity. Despite capacity reductions, Drewry expects rates to decrease next week ahead of the upcoming Golden Week holiday.
On the Asia–Europe trade route, rates fell 5% to $3,835 per 40ft container from Shanghai to Genoa and 4% to $3,485 per 40ft container from Shanghai to Rotterdam. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, seven blank sailings are announced for next week, up from three this week, indicating tight capacity. Meanwhile, Suez Canal transits increased from 41 in Week 37 to 48 in Week 38, adding effective capacity on the Asia-Europe trade route. Consequently, Drewry expects rates to continue declining next week, as recovering effective capacity outweighs blank sailings.
The East–West container freight market remains uncertain as carriers balance capacity against uneven demand and ongoing operational disruptions with Middle East tensions remaining a concern.
Suez Canal transits are increasing, but security risks in the Red Sea remain a key uncertainty. Meanwhile, Panama Canal capacity remains constrained, while labour disruptions in Germany and low Rhine water levels continue to affect European supply chains. With carriers increasing blank sailings and China’s Golden Week approaching in early October, freight rates are expected to decline next week.
(Photo of CMA CGM vessel at Singapore)