Drewry WCI steadies as Transpacific gains offset Europe slide

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI)—a composite measure of container freight rates—declined for the twelfth consecutive week. The index fell 0.71 per cent to $2,104 per 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU) on September 4, down from $2,119 per FEU the previous week.

The slower decline indicated stabilisation this week, driven by opposing trends in different trade lanes. A significant increase in Transpacific rates pushed the index higher, but a major drop in Asia–Europe rates offset the gain, resulting in overall stability. After 11 consecutive weeks of steep declines, Transpacific spot rates are rising on the back of general rate increase (GRI) announcements by several carriers.

WCI fell 0.71 per cent to $2,104/FEU on September 4, marking its twelfth weekly decline but showing signs of stabilisation.
Transpacific spot rates rose—Shanghai–Los Angeles up 8 per cent and Shanghai–New York up 12 per cent—while Asia–Europe lanes weakened.
Drewry expects near-term stability, but warns of renewed weakness in H2 2025, with volatility hinging on US tariffs and Chinese ship penalties.

Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 8 per cent to $2,522 per FEU, while those from Shanghai to New York rose 12 per cent to $3,677 per FEU. Despite the upcoming Golden Week holiday in China, these rates are unlikely to be sustainable without further reductions in shipping capacity. Drewry therefore expects rates to remain stable in the coming weeks.

In contrast, Asia–Europe spot rates fell this week: Shanghai–Rotterdam dropped 10 per cent to $2,385 per FEU, while Shanghai–Genoa slid 7 per cent to $2,653 per FEU. Despite healthy demand and port delays in Europe, an oversupply of vessel capacity continues to weigh on rates in this trade lane. Drewry expects further declines in the coming weeks.

According to Drewry’s Container Forecaster, the supply–demand balance is expected to weaken again in the second half of 2025, which will cause spot rates to contract. The volatility and timing of these rate movements will depend on President Trump’s future tariffs and potential capacity shifts linked to US penalties on Chinese ships, both of which remain uncertain.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)