Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) has recorded a notable 7% drop this week, settling at $3,279 per 40ft container as of 19 June 2025. This marks the first decline in over a month, ending six consecutive weeks of increases driven by a short-lived surge in US-bound imports.
© Mr.siwabud Veerapaisarn | Dreamstime
According to Drewry, the fall in rates is primarily due to "low demand for US-bound cargo", suggesting the boost from the temporary suspension of higher US tariffs may not sustain the upward momentum many had anticipated.
Spot freight rates from Shanghai to New York saw a 10% decrease, dropping to $6,584 per 40ft container. Rates to Los Angeles also fell by 20%. However, both remain significantly higher than six weeks ago, up 81% and 73% respectively. Meanwhile, prices increased along key European routes: Shanghai to Rotterdam rose by 12% to $3,171, and Shanghai to Genoa edged up by 1% to $4,075.
Looking ahead, Drewry forecasts a softening market in the second half of 2025. 'Drewry's Container Forecaster expects the supply-demand balance to weaken again in 2H25, which will cause spot rates to decline,' the report states. The extent of future volatility remains uncertain, with potential impacts from legal disputes over Trump-era tariffs and possible capacity shifts linked to US penalties on Chinese ships.
© Drewry
More information:
Drewry
www.drewry.co.uk