The World Container Index (WCI), a measure of global container freight rates, rebounded after three weeks, with the total rate for a 40-foot container reaching $4,485. The rise in Asia–Europe rates was the main factor, amid signs that cargo volumes are beginning to recover.
The World Container Freight Index published by UK logistics research firm Drewry reached $4,485 per 40-foot container, up 3% from the previous week and marking a rebound after three weeks. The rebound is attributed to higher rates on Asia–Europe routes and a recovery in cargo volumes following China’s National Day holiday.
Shanghai–Rotterdam rose 6% to $3,522, while Genoa-bound rates rose 7% to $3,945. Asia–Europe rates turned upward after 13 consecutive weeks of decline, and blank sailings are expected to fall from 6 this week to 2 next week. There is also a view that the resumption of services via the Suez Canal will increase available capacity.
Carriers have sought to raise rates by introducing FAK rates of $4,500–$4,800 per 40-foot container on Asia–Europe routes from the 19th. However, it remains unclear how firmly the increase in capacity will become established in the market, and rates are expected to be broadly flat the following week.
On transpacific routes, Shanghai–Los Angeles rose 3% to $7,884, while New York-bound rates fell 1% to $10,075. Blank sailings are expected to remain unchanged at 6 the following week. Capacity is stable, and strong US import demand is seen as supporting transpacific freight rates.