Drewry Supply Chain Advisors has reported a continued downward trend in global container freight rates, with the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) falling 5% to $1,669 per 40ft container for the week of 2 October 2025. This marks the 16th consecutive weekly decline and the lowest level since January 2024.
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Spot rates from Shanghai to key US ports also declined, with Shanghai–Los Angeles dropping 5% to $2,196 per 40ft container, and Shanghai–New York down 2% to $3,200 per 40ft container. Intra-Asia and Europe trade routes followed a similar pattern, with Shanghai–Rotterdam rates falling 7% to $1,613, and Shanghai–Genoa down 9% to $1,804 per 40ft container.
Drewry attributes the ongoing reductions to slowing demand ahead of China's Golden Week holiday, which began on 1 October, and to carriers increasing blank sailings and reducing capacity to match the softer market. Analysts predict that East–West spot rates are likely to continue their decline in the coming weeks.
The WCI, based on over 6,700 global port pairs, remains a trusted benchmark for importers, exporters, and freight forwarders, offering insight into index-linked contracts and regional freight trends. Drewry's Container Forecaster anticipates that a weaker supply-demand balance over the next several quarters will sustain pressure on spot rates.
In addition to WCI, Drewry provides a comprehensive range of tools for the logistics sector, including Container Freight Rate Insight (CFRI), which tracks spot rates across 6,700 port pairs, and the Benchmarking Club, offering confidential benchmarking of contract shipping costs and carrier performance analysis.
With supply chain volatility continuing to impact global shipping, industry stakeholders are increasingly relying on independent data and predictive insights to optimise operations and manage costs effectively.
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More information:
Drewry
www.drewry.co.uk
