The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell 7% to $1,959 per 40ft container for the week ending 5 February 2026, marking a fourth consecutive weekly decline. The drop was primarily driven by reduced rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes, reflecting weaker-than-expected demand ahead of Chinese New Year factory closures.
© Tawatchai Prakobkit | Dreamstime
Spot rates from Shanghai to major U.S. ports declined sharply, with Los Angeles down 8% to $2,239 and New York falling 5% to $2,819 per container. Europe-bound shipments also saw decreases, with Shanghai–Rotterdam down 9% to $2,164 and Shanghai–Genoa falling 7% to $3,048. Carriers have responded by announcing an unusually high number of blank sailings in the coming weeks,18, 27, and 28 on Transpacific routes and 9, 16, and 9 on Asia–Europe routes, aimed at managing excess capacity and stabilising rates.
Drewry expects further rate declines in the short term due to ongoing market volatility and subdued pre-holiday cargo flows. The index remains a key reference for shippers and freight forwarders seeking independent benchmarks for contract and spot market rates.
© Drewry
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Drewry
www.drewry.co.uk
