Drewry WCI rises on higher rates on Transpacific, Asia-Europe routes

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) has further increased due to freight rise on the Transpacific and Asia-Europe trade routes. The index rose 3.37 per cent to $3,549 per FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) for the week ending May 11, up from $3,433 per FEU in the previous week. The index had recorded strong surge of 22.60 per cent on the previous week. The index increased for sixth consecutive week due to rate increases on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes. Drewry has received confirmation from multiple sources that this year’s peak season began earlier than usual, which is supporting stronger demand and higher freight rates.

On the Transpacific trade route, spot rates climbed again this week, with Shanghai to New York rising 7 per cent to $5,870 per 40ft container and Shanghai to Los Angeles increasing 3 per cent to $4,683 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only three blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for the next week, indicating relatively stable capacity. Demand is supported by shippers bringing forward bookings ahead of potential US tariff changes expected in July and additional cargo demand linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Maersk has announced a PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) of $1,000 per 20ft and $2,000 per 40ft container, effective June 17. With peak season underway and growing seasonal demand, Drewry expects rates to surge in the coming weeks. 

Drewry’s WCI rose 3.37 per cent to $3,549 per FEU, marking a sixth straight weekly gain, driven by stronger Transpacific and Asia-Europe freight rates.
Early peak-season demand, tariff-related frontloading, Red Sea disruptions and higher fuel costs are supporting rates.
Carriers have announced fresh surcharges, with further increases expected in the coming weeks.

On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates increased this week, amid early peak season demand. Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 5 per cent to $3,768 per 40ft container and those from Shanghai to Genoa edged up 1 per cent to $5,139 per 40ft container. Demand is being pulled forward into June ahead of the expected July 1 bunker fuel adjustment, supporting stronger shipment flows. Early peak season has prompted further rate increases on the Asia–Europe trade, with carriers continuing to announce higher FAKs (Freight All Kinds) and PSS.

MSC has announced higher FAKs, effective June 15, at $6,000 per 40ft container on Asia–North Europe and $6,500 per 40ft container on Asia–West Mediterranean trade. CMA CGM and ONE have also announced PSS ranging from $500–$600 per 20ft container, effective June 15. Drewry expects rates to rise further in the coming weeks. 

Freight rates from New York to Rotterdam decreased 1 per cent to $956 per FEU, while Rotterdam to New York rates dipped 2 per cent to $2,508 per FEU. Rotterdam–Shanghai rates increased 1 per cent to $624 per FEU, while Los Angeles–Shanghai rates jumped 4 per cent to $812 per 40ft container.

East–West container freight markets have been strengthening as the peak season arrives earlier than usual this year. Continued Red Sea diversions are extending transit times and encouraging importers to place orders earlier to ensure cargo arrives ahead of the traditional peak season. Retailers are also replenishing inventories earlier than normal in preparation for major sales events, including Amazon Prime Day and TikTok’s mid-year promotions in June and July.

At the same time, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to influence market sentiment, with higher bunker fuel costs and fuel surcharges exerting additional upwards pressure on freight rates. These developments are also contributing to rising raw material costs, as reflected by China’s PMI Prices of Purchased Materials Index, which has remained elevated since the conflict began and currently stands at 60.5 points.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)