Drewry: World Container Index Down 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, 24 Sep 2026 • The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, ...
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) saw a 1% decline last week, settling at $4,468 per 40ft container. This decrease was primarily driven by lower rates on the Asia-Europe trade route. In contrast, rates on the Transpacific route, from Shanghai to Los Angeles and New York, saw an increase. Blank sailings, or unscheduled shipments, have risen to 15 announced for next week, up from nine this week, signaling limited capacity.
Despite this, Drewry anticipates rates to dip further next week as effective capacity increases ahead of the Golden Week holiday. The Asia-Europe trade route experienced a 5% drop in rates, particularly on routes to Genoa and Rotterdam. Meanwhile, the Suez Canal saw an increase in transits, potentially adding capacity to the route.
However, uncertainties remain due to ongoing operational disruptions and security concerns in the Red Sea. The East-West container freight market is also volatile, with carriers balancing capacity against uneven demand and tensions in the Middle East. Suez Canal transits have increased, but the Red Sea's security risks pose a significant uncertainty.
Panama Canal capacity remains tight, and labor disruptions in Germany and low Rhine water levels continue to impact European supply chains. With carriers increasing blank sailings and China's Golden Week approaching in early October, rates are expected to decline further next week. For detailed spot market container freight rate information on other routes, Drewry's Container Freight Rate Insight (CFRI) offers monthly updates on 6,700 global port pairs.
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.