Drewry: World Container Index Stable Last Week

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) remained steady at $4,476 per 40ft container for the second week in a row, as reported on Thursday, 10 Sep 2026. In the Transpacific trade, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles climbed 2% to $7,352 per 40ft container, while rates from Shanghai to New York increased 1% to $9,726 per 40ft container.

Container Capacity Insight revealed eight blank sailings were announced for the upcoming week, up from seven this week, suggesting limited capacity. Drewry anticipates freight rates to stay stable next week, given easing demand and ongoing carrier capacity management.

On the Asia–Europe route, rates from Shanghai to Genoa dropped 3% to $4,216 per 40ft container, and rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 2% to $3,997 per 40ft container. Drewry's Container Capacity Insight indicated three blank sailings were announced for next week, up from one this week, pointing to tight capacity. While congestion at Shanghai port persisted, it improved from 94 hours in Week 35 to 64 hours in Week 36.

Low demand, persistent congestion in Asia, and carriers' capacity management are expected to keep rates stable next week.

Iran–US tensions are impacting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The Panama Canal Authority has postponed a 0.15-metre draft reduction for Neopanamax vessels, though transit restrictions remain in place. Carriers are supporting rates through capacity management, and congestion at Asian ports is disrupting schedules. The selective return of services to the Suez Canal is easing capacity constraints on Asia–Europe routes, putting downward pressure on freight rates.

Booking early is advised as congestion and blank sailings can tighten capacity. For spot market container freight rates on other routes, Drewry's Container Freight Rate Insight (CFRI) service provides updated monthly information on 6,700 global port pairs (2,450 updated fortnightly).