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Drewry’s World Container Index increased 2% to $4,585 per 40-foot container on October 22, its second consecutive weekly gain and highest reading in 15 weeks. Shanghai-Rotterdam rose 3% to $3,632/FEU, Shanghai-Genoa climbed 5% to $4,152, Shanghai-Los Angeles increased 2% to $8,007, and Shanghai-New York edged 1% higher to $10,166. Drewry says Asia-Europe capacity will tighten sharply next week as announced blank sailings increase from two to eight, while transpacific blank sailings fall from six to two. Drewry expects Asia-Europe rates to rise slightly and transpacific rates to remain broadly stable.
WCI Climbs for a Second Week and Reaches a 15-Week High
Every major East-West trade measured by Drewry moved higher this week, but different forces are supporting the two largest headhaul markets. Asia-Europe is being tightened through blank sailings while strong U.S. import demand continues to support the transpacific.
Every WCI Trade Lane Moved Higher
The largest absolute headhaul rates remain on Asia-U.S. trades, while the strongest percentage increase came on Shanghai-Genoa.
| Trade Lane | Oct. 22 Rate | Weekly Move | Oct. 15 Reference | Immediate Driver | Capacity Signal | Next Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Rotterdam | $3,632 | ▲ 3% | $3,522 | Asia-Europe recovery continues after the earlier 13-week rate decline. | Eight blank sailings next week versus two this week tighten available capacity. | Drewry expects rates to increase slightly. |
| Shanghai → Genoa | $4,152 | ▲ 5% | $3,945 | Strongest percentage increase among the four major Shanghai headhaul lanes. | Part of the same Asia-Europe/Med capacity reduction strategy. | Upward pressure remains as carriers withdraw sailings. |
| Shanghai → Los Angeles | $8,007 | ▲ 2% | $7,884 | Strong U.S. import demand continues to support transpacific pricing. | Only two blank sailings next week versus six this week, meaning more effective capacity. | Drewry expects broadly stable rates. |
| Shanghai → New York | $10,166 | ▲ 1% | $10,075 | East Coast spot pricing remains the highest major WCI headhaul rate. | More transpacific capacity returns next week. | Demand support is expected to offset some capacity pressure. |
| Rotterdam → Shanghai | $646 | ▲ 1% | Approx. $639 | Backhaul pricing remains a fraction of the Asia-Europe headhaul. | Structural trade imbalance remains large. | No major directional change signaled. |
| Los Angeles → Shanghai | $847 | ▲ 2% | Approx. $833 | Backhaul rate firmed slightly alongside broader East-West pricing. | Additional eastbound capacity remains available. | Backhaul economics remain far below the headhaul. |
| Rotterdam → New York | $3,181 | ▲ 3% | Approx. $3,075 | Transatlantic pricing participated in the broader weekly rise. | Current five-week tracker shows selective capacity withdrawals. | Transatlantic rates are moving higher but remain below transpacific headhaul levels. |
| New York → Rotterdam | $1,158 | ▲ 2% | Approx. $1,130 | Westbound pricing also increased. | Backhaul demand remains structurally weaker than eastbound Atlantic cargo. | Modest upward movement rather than a major rate reset. |
Spot Rate Booking Exposure Desk
Select a major Drewry route, enter shipment volume and test how another weekly rate move would change the freight budget.
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