World Container Index rises in late December

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) rose 1% last week to $2,213 per 40-foot container, marking its fourth consecutive weekly increase. The rise was driven mainly by higher rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.

Spot rates from Shanghai to Genoa climbed 3% to $3,427 per container. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 2% to $2,584. Asia–Europe spot rates have now remained stable or higher for four consecutive weeks.

Drewry attributed the strength to shifting seasonal patterns. Over the past three years, December has seen double-digit month-on-month demand growth, reinforcing strong year-end volumes as the new normal.

Carriers are also reporting early bookings ahead of the Lunar New Year in February 2026. As a result, Drewry expects slight further rate increases next week.

On the Transpacific route, spot rates from Shanghai to New York and Los Angeles were unchanged after last week’s double-digit gains. Drewry forecasts Transpacific rates to remain stable in the coming week.

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