Drewry: World Container Index Up 1% Last Week
For many years, World Container Index (WCI) has been the go-to, independent, global reference for index-linked contracts. If your organisation requires regional visibility/coverage beyond the eight trade lanes provided below, contact the team. Our detailed assessment for Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 • The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, ...
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 1% to $4,500 per 40ft container last week, with increased rates on the Transpacific trade route. This upward trend was driven by a 5% jump in rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles and a 7% increase from Shanghai to New York. The surge in rates is attributed to heightened demand ahead of China’s Golden Week and carriers implementing capacity management strategies.
In contrast, rates on the Asia–Europe trade route declined, with a 5% drop in rates from Shanghai to Genoa and a 9% fall from Shanghai to Rotterdam. The reduction is due to tightening capacity and enhancing congestion in Asian ports. Waiting times in Shanghai increased from 65 hours in Week 36 to 78 hours in Week 37.
The East-West container freight market remains uncertain, with Transpacific rates bolstered by pre-Golden Week demand and carrier capacity management. Meanwhile, Asia–Europe rates face downward pressure from the gradual reopening of the Suez Canal and weak demand. Potential port strikes in Germany and security risks in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb could further impact the market.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.