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, 05 Nov 2026 • The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, ...
Last week, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) experienced a 1% drop, settling at $4,389 per 40ft container. This decline was primarily driven by reduced rates on the Transpacific and Asia-Europe trade routes, alongside improved port conditions and easing demand in Chinese ports. The Transpacific route saw rates from Shanghai to New York decrease by 3% to $9,303 per container, while Shanghai to Los Angeles rates remained steady at $7,539 per container.
At Chinese ports, vessel waiting times improved to 35 hours as congestion eased and demand softened. Drewry anticipates further rate reductions due to the rise in effective capacity. On the Asia-Europe route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam fell by 2% to $3,615 per container, while rates to Genoa stayed the same at $4,166 per container.
Carriers are anticipating rate increases in mid-November to bolster their positions for upcoming contract negotiations. However, the market's growing capacity, coupled with the resumption of Suez Canal transit, is expected to keep rates stable.
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.
