The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell 2 per cent week-on-week to $1,806 per FEU in Week 48, driven by lower rates on the trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe trades.
Compared with the same week last year, the index remains 46 per cent lower.
Trans-Pacific headhaul rates continued their decline for a third straight week. Shanghai–New York slipped 6 per cent ($187) to $2,735 per FEU, while Shanghai–Los Angeles fell 4 per cent ($83) to $2,089 per FEU.
Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight notes that blank sailings on the trans-Pacific are set to decrease in Week 49, potentially boosting available capacity and keeping rates under modest downward pressure.
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After six consecutive weeks of growth, Asia–Europe spot rates dropped in Week 48.
Shanghai–Genoa eased 1 per cent ($19) to $2,300 per FEU, and Shanghai–Rotterdam also fell 1 per cent ($28) to $2,165 per FEU.
Carriers are attempting to lift rates by applying higher freight-all-kinds (FAK) levels between $3,100 and $4,000 per FEU, effective this week, in preparation for the upcoming annual contract negotiations.
Recently, Xeneta reported that spot rates on key container routes moved in mixed directions last week.
For more information:
Drewry World Container Index (WCI) – https://www.drewry.co.uk/
