Drewry index edges lower on decline in trans-Pacific rates

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), a widely followed benchmark for global container freight rates, fell 1% this week to $4,473 per forty-foot container. The decline was driven by lower spot rates on both the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trade routes, although resilient demand and ongoing capacity management by carriers continue to support the market. On benchmark trans-Pacific lanes, spot rates from Shanghai to New York decreased 2% to $9,333 per forty-foot container. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles, however, remained unchanged at $6,818. Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight reported that carriers have announced four blank sailings for the coming week, down from seven in the current week.