The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, decreased 4% to $4,374 per 40ft container, due to a decline in rates on Asia–Europe and Transpacific trade routes.
On the Transpacific trade route, spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 6% to $5,878 per 40ft container, while those from Shanghai to New York fell 4% to $7,598 per 40ft container, due to increased capacity and easing demand. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, six blank sailings are scheduled on the Transpacific trade route next week, compared with nine scheduled this week, indicating higher capacity deployment by carriers and a widening supply–demand gap. Drewry expects rates to remain stable next week.
Additionally, the current 10% global US import tariffs are set to expire on 24 July, while new tariffs are expected to take effect in early August, creating uncertainty for shippers.
Spot rates declined 5% to $5,988 per 40ft container from Shanghai to Genoa, while rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam decreased 1% to $4,824 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, four blank sailings are scheduled on the Asia–Europe trade route next week, two more than last week, reflecting an increase in capacity available in the market. With easing demand and increased capacity, Drewry expects rates to decrease slightly next week.
Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran continued and, with ongoing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, several carriers have announced Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) effective August 2026. Meanwhile, freight rates on the major East-West trade lanes declined for a second consecutive week, as increased capacity in the market coincided with easing demand. Ongoing geopolitical developments and uncertainty surrounding US tariff policies could continue to influence market conditions and freight rate trends in the coming weeks.
(Photo of CMA CGM container vessel in Panama Canal)