The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose by 2% to USD 1,687 per 40ft container for the week ending 16 October 2025, marking the first increase after 17 consecutive weeks of decline. The uptick was driven by General Rate Increases (GRIs) implemented by carriers on 15 October, although Drewry expects this momentum to be short-lived, with rates likely to soften again in the coming weeks.
© Mr.siwabud Veerapaisarn | Dreamstime
On major routes, spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles and New York both rose by 1%, reaching USD 2,195 and USD 3,236 per 40ft container respectively. Drewry anticipates carriers may introduce further GRIs on 1 November and 15 November to counter potential declines.
In Europe, the Asia–Europe trade also recorded moderate growth, with rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increasing 6% to USD 1,669, and to Genoa by 2% to USD 1,821 per 40ft container. These gains follow the introduction of new Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates, aimed at halting the post–Golden Week market slump.
Despite these short-term increases, Drewry's Container Forecaster predicts the supply–demand balance will weaken over the next few quarters, leading to further rate contractions.
© Drewry
More information:
Drewry
www.drewry.co.uk
