Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) fell by 3% this week, settling at $2,192 per 40ft container, according to the company's latest assessment released on 17 April 2025. This marks a continued decline in global container freight rates as the market gradually stabilises after the pandemic-era volatility.
The current WCI is 79% below its peak of $10,377 in September 2021, during the Covid-19 surge, but remains 54% higher than the pre-pandemic average of $1,420 in 2019. Year-to-date, the average composite index stands at $2,897, only $7 above the 10-year average of $2,890, which includes the exceptional freight rate highs seen in 2020–2022.
Significant route-specific movements contributed to the weekly dip. 'Freight rates from Shanghai to New York decreased 7% or $270 to $3,706 per 40ft container and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 5% or $132 to $2,683 per 40ft container,' Drewry reported. Additionally, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam and Shanghai to Genoa fell 2% to $2,344 and $3,018, respectively. Rates on the New York–Rotterdam and Rotterdam–New York lanes also dropped 1% to $817 and $2,129, respectively.
In contrast, rates from Rotterdam to Shanghai increased 4% or $18 to $493 per 40ft container, while rates from Los Angeles to Shanghai remained unchanged.
Looking ahead, Drewry forecasted continued downward pressure on rates. 'Drewry expects rates to continue to decline in the coming week due to reduced capacity and uncertainty stemming from tariffs,' the report stated.
More information:
Drewry
www.drewry.co.uk