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Posted by Daily Cargo News
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06 Nov, 2026
THE DREWRY World Container Index (WCI), decreased 1% to $4,389 per 40ft container this week. The decline can mainly be attributed to lower rates on the Transpacific and Asia-Europe trade routes, as port congestion improved and demand eased at Chinese ports.
Source: Drewry World Container Index
Source: Drewry World Container Index
On the Asia-Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam decreased 2% to $3,615 per 40ft container, while rates from Shanghai to Genoa remained stable at $4,166 per 40ft container. Carriers are pushing through FAK increases in mid-November as they look to strengthen their position ahead of next year’s contract negotiations. However, effective capacity in the market continues to increase, as the resumption of transits via the Suez Canal shortens transit times and releases additional capacity. Meanwhile, according to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, five blank sailings have been announced for next week, down from eight this week. As this ample capacity creates uncertainty around the implementation of the increases, Drewry expects rates to remain stable next week.
The East-West container shipping market remains under pressure, with improving capacity availability and weak demand weighing on freight rates. Suez Canal transits are increasing, with 60% of Asia-Europe capacity now using the Suez Canal route, and 53 vessels transited the canal in both directions last week. A key risk to shippers remains, as an accelerated return to the Suez Canal route could lead to overlapping vessel arrivals from the Suez and COGH routes, increasing the likelihood of vessel bunching and cargo congestion at European ports. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz also remains uncertain, with the US carrying out another round of limited strikes against Iran. Additionally, a potential watchmen’s strike at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach poses a further risk to shippers.
