These are the first increases after 13 consecutive weeks of decline. However, it is unclear how long this trend will last.

The resumption of transit through the Suez Canal, combined with a lower rate of carrier cancellations, will free up more capacity on the two routes

In the week ending this week, nearly all major container shipping routes saw freight rates recover. This followed a long period of decline. This information comes from the latest update of the Drewry Container Index. Specifically, the average freight rate for a 40-foot container was $4,485, 3% higher than the previous week. The main driver of this increase was the trend observed on routes between Asia and Europe. For instance, the cost of shipping a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Genoa increased by 7% to $3,945 — a rise of 117% compared to a year earlier — and the cost of shipping from the Chinese port to Rotterdam rose by 6% to $3,522 — an increase of 111%. The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), widely referenced by procurement teams as a benchmark, increased by 3% to $4,485 per 40-foot container, primarily due to a rise in rates on the Asia-Europe trade route.

Expectation of Drewry 

Overall, Drewry expects some short-term volatility in global ocean container shipping rates due to the recovery in demand following the end of the holiday season, capacity adjustments, and the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty impacting market conditions. These are the first increases after 13 consecutive weeks of decline. However, it is unclear how long this trend will last. According to the analyst firm, the resumption of transit through the Suez Canal, combined with a lower rate of carrier cancellations, will free up more capacity on the two routes. Analysts have also noted that several companies are introducing FAK (Freight All Kinds) surcharges, which could push average rates up to between $4,500 and $4,800. However, given the increased availability of cargo holds for next week, they have concluded that rates are expected to remain stable.

Related: Drewry: The World Container Index Decreased 1% This Week 08-2026

Limited fluctuations on the transatlantic route

A more moderate increase was also recorded on the Shanghai-Los Angeles route, with rates rising by 3%. This resulted in the freight rate for a 40-foot container increasing to $7,884 (£6,182), marking a surge of 259% compared to the same period last year. However, shipping rates from Shanghai to New York bucked the trend slightly this week, falling by 1% to $10,220 (£8,112) — still representing a 211% increase compared to the same week in 2023. More limited fluctuations were observed on the transatlantic route: freight rates fell by 1% to $3,075 on the Rotterdam–New York route, while they rose by 2% to $1,130 on the New York–Rotterdam route. Analysts generally anticipate an increase in imports, particularly to the US, due to markets reactivating following China's Golden Week holiday. On the Asia–Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased by 6% to $3,522 (£2,810) per 40-foot container and rates from Shanghai to Genoa grew by 7% to $3,945 (£3,130) per 40-foot container.

Retard: Drewry: World Container Index decreased

 Drewry's Container Capacity Insight

According to Drewry's Container Capacity Insight, two blank sailings have been announced for next week, down from six this week, indicating more effective capacity utilisation. After 13 consecutive weeks of decline, rates on the Asia–Europe trade route increased this week. However, the resumption of Suez Canal transits and fewer blank sailings are adding further capacity to the route. Meanwhile, carriers are attempting to increase rates through higher FAKs, which range from $4,500–$4,800 per 40 ft container on the Asia–Europe trade route and are due to come into effect on 19 October. However, the successful implementation of these FAKs remains uncertain amid increased capacity. Consequently, Drewry expects rates to remain stable next week. 
#Suez Canal #Itay #Drewry # Transpacific trade route #container freight #China #Rates # Shanghai-Los Angeles route #Europe trade route