Drewry's latest World Container Index (WCI), a benchmark for global container freight pricing, remained steady this week at $3,543 per 40ft container, following a sharp 59% increase over the past four weeks.
© Mr.siwabud Veerapaisarn | Dreamstime
This uptick reflects a rebound in US-bound trade volumes after President Donald Trump announced a "pause" on proposed import tariffs, which had initially triggered a dramatic collapse in Transpacific shipping demand.
Freight rates on routes from Shanghai to the US have surged significantly in response. The Shanghai–New York rate rose by 2% this past week to $7,285 per 40ft container, up 67% since 15 May. Meanwhile, spot rates to Los Angeles increased by 1% week-on-week, soaring 89% over the same four-week period. Rates on eastbound Transpacific routes are seeing only marginal changes amid the return of additional shipping capacity.
Rates on key Asia-Europe lanes remained flat, with Shanghai–Rotterdam and Shanghai–Genoa holding at $2,837 and $4,054 respectively per 40ft container.
Drewry analysts note the recent 'sudden, short-term strengthening in the supply-demand balance in global container shipping has reversed the trend of declining rates which started in January.' However, they caution that this may not last.
Drewry's Container Forecaster predicts a softening in the market during the second half of 2025. 'The volatility and timing of rate changes will depend on the outcome of legal challenges to Trump's tariffs and on capacity changes related to the introduction of the US penalties on Chinese ships, which are uncertain,' Drewry stated.
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