Container freight rates diverge as global benchmarks rise and Asian indexes weaken

Global container freight rates delivered a mixed performance in the latest weekly assessments, with major international benchmarks moving higher while Chinese freight indexes showed more subdued results. The divergence was particularly evident on Asia-Europe routes, where Drewry reported further increases but the NYSHEX Freight Index (NYFI) continued to decline. Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) rose 2% to US$4,585 per 40-foot container, reaching its highest level in 15 weeks. The Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) also advanced, increasing 5% to US$3,560. Meanwhile, the China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) declined, while the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) and Ningbo Containerized Freight Index (NCFI) registered marginal gains.