The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, fell 2% to $4,547 per 40ft container last week. The decrease indicates that the strong upwards momentum seen during the peak season is beginning to subside.
On the Transpacific trade route, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 3% to $6,272 per 40ft container, while those from Shanghai to New York remained stable at $7,879 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, nine blank sailings are scheduled for the Transpacific route next week, signalling a reduction in overall capacity. With the rush for front-loading ahead of the US tariff deadline easing, carriers’ proactive capacity management should prevent spot freight rates from falling significantly. As a result, Drewry projects that freight rates will hold steady through this week.
Carriers had announced higher FAK rates ranging from $7,900 to $8,500 per 40ft container for 15 July, but these increases failed to hold last week. On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates declined 3% to $6,300 per 40ft container from Shanghai to Genoa, while those from Shanghai to Rotterdam dropped 1% to $4,873. Furthermore, congestion at European ports is easing, highlighted by a 33-hour WoW decrease in average vessel waiting times at Genoa port.
US–Iran tensions continued, with threats to shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and uncertainty around potential US security charges for Strait of Hormuz transits adding to global shipping risks. US tariffs are scheduled to expire on 24 July, while potential new tariffs are expected to be implemented in early August. Meanwhile, early peak season activity appears to be moderating, although capacity management and geopolitical disruptions continue to support freight rates.
(Photo de navire CMA CGM au Port de Singapore)