Drewry World Container Index climbs to 10-month high

As a provider of international container shipping services, the U-Freight Group notes that the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 2% in the week ending 09 July to US$4,639 per 40ft container, reaching its highest level since September 2024 as stronger Asia-Europe rates continued to lift the market.

Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 5% to US$4,933 per 40ft container, while rates to Genoa increased 2% to US$6,463. Drewry attributed the gains to constrained capacity, with only four blank sailings scheduled on the Asia-Europe trade next week. Carriers are also pushing higher Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates, including recent announcements by CMA CGM of US$7,000 per 40ft to North Europe and US$7,900–8,500 per 40ft to the Mediterranean from 15 July.

On the Transpacific, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles climbed 2% to US$6,482 per 40ft container, while Shanghai-New York rates remained unchanged at US$7,904. Drewry said only three blank sailings have been announced on the route for next week, with several carriers planning General Rate Increases (GRIs) of US$2,000-3,000 per 40ft from 15 July.

According to Drewry, the East-West container freight market remains volatile as renewed US-Iran tensions continue to create uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. Although seasonal demand is expected to soften from late July into early August, carriers are seeking to maintain elevated freight rates through surcharges and capacity discipline.

You can find more information about the U-Freight Group’s ocean freight services by visiting our website or speaking to your usual contact in our company.