The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell 5% this week to $2,107 per 40ft container, marking the third consecutive weekly decline. The decrease was driven by lower spot rates on key trade routes between Asia, Europe, and the US.
© Ilfede | Dreamstime
Transpacific rates dropped sharply, with Shanghai–New York falling 7% to $2,969 per 40ft container and Shanghai–Los Angeles down 4% to $2,442. Intra-Asia and Asia–Europe rates also declined, including Shanghai–Rotterdam (-5% to $2,379) and Shanghai–Genoa (-6% to $3,293). The weakening demand reflects seasonal trends ahead of the Chinese New Year factory closures.
Carriers have announced 63 blank sailings in February, up from 27 in January, to manage excess capacity. Meanwhile, CMA CGM is withdrawing Asia–Europe services via the Suez Canal, while Maersk plans to resume scheduled services from India to the US East Coast. Drewry notes these divergent strategies will gradually reintroduce capacity, avoiding a sharp collapse in spot rates.
© Drewry
More information:
Drewry
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