Drewry's latest World Container Index (WCI) shows a 2% weekly decline, bringing the global average to USD 1,806 per 40ft container. The reduction is largely driven by softening rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe routes.
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On the Transpacific, spot rates have fallen for the third consecutive week. Shanghai–New York prices dropped by 6% to USD 2,735, while Shanghai–Los Angeles rates decreased by 4% to USD 2,089. Drewry's Container Capacity Insight reports that blank sailings on this corridor are expected to reduce next week, which would increase available capacity. As a result, Drewry anticipates a slight further softening of rates in the coming days.
After six weeks of consecutive increases, Asia–Europe rates have eased. Shanghai–Genoa and Shanghai–Rotterdam both fell by 1%, to USD 2,300 and USD 2,165 respectively. Despite the decline, carriers are attempting to lift spot prices by raising FAK levels to between USD 3,100 and USD 4,000 per 40ft container from 1 December, aiming to strengthen rate momentum ahead of annual contract negotiations.
Operational disruption is also impacting the market. A national strike in Belgium has caused significant congestion at the Port of Antwerp, expected to worsen as some carriers prepare to reroute services through the Suez Canal. Increased congestion is likely to result in longer delays and additional upward pressure on spot rates.
Looking ahead, Drewry's Container Forecaster predicts a weakening supply–demand balance over the next few quarters, particularly if Suez Canal transits return to normal and additional capacity re-enters the market.
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Drewry
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Drewry World Container Index Update – 27 November 2025 (250 words)
Drewry's latest World Container Index (WCI) shows a 2% weekly decline, bringing the global average to USD 1,806 per 40ft container. The reduction is largely driven by softening rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe routes.
On the Transpacific, spot rates have fallen for the third consecutive week. Shanghai–New York prices dropped by 6% to USD 2,735, while Shanghai–Los Angeles rates decreased by 4% to USD 2,089. Drewry's Container Capacity Insight reports that blank sailings on this corridor are expected to reduce next week, which would increase available capacity. As a result, Drewry anticipates a slight further softening of rates in the coming days.
After six weeks of consecutive increases, Asia–Europe rates have eased. Shanghai–Genoa and Shanghai–Rotterdam both fell by 1%, to USD 2,300 and USD 2,165 respectively. Despite the decline, carriers are attempting to lift spot prices by raising FAK levels to between USD 3,100 and USD 4,000 per 40ft container from 1 December, aiming to strengthen rate momentum ahead of annual contract negotiations.
Operational disruption is also impacting the market. A national strike in Belgium has caused significant congestion at the Port of Antwerp, expected to worsen as some carriers prepare to reroute services through the Suez Canal. Increased congestion is likely to result in longer delays and additional upward pressure on spot rates.
Looking ahead, Drewry's Container Forecaster predicts a weakening supply–demand balance over the next few quarters, particularly if Suez Canal transits return to normal and additional capacity re-enters the market.
© Drewry
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