Drewry’s World Container Index rose 2% to $4,585 per 40-foot container, supported by higher rates on trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes as strong U.S. import demand and carrier capacity cuts bolstered pricing.
Shanghai-to-Los Angeles rates increased 2% to $8,007 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai-to-New York rates edged up 1% to $10,166. Drewry expects trans-Pacific rates to remain stable next week, with U.S. import demand continuing to support the market despite an increase in available capacity.
Carriers have announced only two blank sailings on the trans-Pacific for next week, down from six this week, according to figures from Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight. The service tracks scheduled and canceled sailings, effective capacity and port congestion across major trade lanes.
Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 3% to $3,632 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai-to-Genoa rates increased 5% to $4,152.
Unlike the trans-Pacific, the Asia-Europe trade faces more sailing cancellations next week. Carriers have announced eight blank sailings, up from two this week, tightening available capacity as they seek to put upward pressure on freight rates.
Drewry expects Asia-Europe rates to increase slightly next week as capacity reductions support pricing.
The cuts come as congestion at key Asian ports eases. Vessel waiting times at Shanghai fell from 97 hours in Week 38 to 38 hours in Week 42, signaling a substantial improvement in port operations.
Security risks and attacks on ships continue to affect vessel movements through the Persian Gulf. Only two containerships sailed into the Gulf in Week 42, down from five the previous week. Meanwhile, sailings through the Suez Canal increased slightly, from 54 in Week 41 to 55 in Week 42.
Why it matters: The increase signals continued cost pressure on importers, even as congestion at major Asian ports eases. Strong U.S. demand is supporting trans-Pacific rates, while Asia–Europe carriers are canceling more sailings to tighten available space and bolster pricing, leaving shippers’ costs dependent on both cargo demand and carrier capacity decisions.
Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.
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