The latest data from Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) reveals a continued sharp decline in spot rates on major container shipping routes, particularly between Asia and the US West Coast (USWC).
According to industry commentator Lars Jensen, “The WCI spot rates from Drewry showed continued sharp decline on Asia-USWC with an almost 1000 USD/FFE weekly drop.
“However, this still means the level is roughly 1000 USD/FFE above the spot rate seen just before the US/China tariff pause. It also means that the WCI index is, thus far, seeing less of a decline from the peak rate than what until now has been recorded by the SCFI.”
Asia–US East Coast (USEC) rates are also falling, but at a slower pace than the USWC. Despite a drop of around 1600 USD/FFE over the past two weeks, rates on this route remain 2000 USD/FFE higher than before the tariff pause.
READ: Intra-Asia container freight rates hold steady
Meanwhile, the Asia–North Europe spot rate continues a very slow increasing trend over the past four weeks.
In contrast, the Asia-Mediterranean rate has stabilised, staying at a plateau just above 4000 USD/FFE for the same period.
Drewry’s latest figures confirm this pattern. The composite WCI dropped 9 per cent to $2,983 per 40ft container this week, with the Shanghai–Los Angeles rate falling by $961 to $3,741 and Shanghai–New York dropping by $881 to $5,703 per container.
Despite these declines, rates remain well above pre-tariff levels.
This ongoing volatility in container shipping is further compounded by geopolitical and security risks. Recent developments include US diplomatic pressure on China to help prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint, and continued reports of GPS jamming disrupting vessel navigation in the region.
