Drewry’s World Container Index decreased 4% to $2,250 per 40ft container this week

LONDON: For many years, World Container Index has been the go-to, independent, global reference for index-linked contracts. Drewry’s World Container Index decreased 4% to $2,250 per 40ft container this week. 

Drewry’s detailed assessment for Thursday, 21 Aug 2025.

• Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) declined for the tenth consecutive week and continued to stabilise after a volatile period. The unpredictability began after US tariffs were announced in April, which caused rates to surge from May through early June. Subsequently, the market saw a heavy decline until mid-July, after which the downward trend lost momentum and the rate of decrease slowed considerably.
• Transpacific spot rates fell this week, as rates on Shanghai–Los Angeles fell 3% ($2,412/feu) and those on Shanghai–New York reduced 5% ($3,463/feu). The phase of accelerated purchasing by US retailers, which induced an early peak season, has ended. In response to a decelerating US economy and increased tariff costs, they are now scaling back on procurement. Hence, Drewry expects spot rates to be less volatile in the coming weeks.
• Asia–Europe spot rates declined this week, as rates on Shanghai–Rotterdam fell 6% ($2,973/feu) and on Shanghai–Genoa also down 3% ($2,978/feu). Despite healthy demand and port delays in Europe, a growing surplus of vessel capacity has been pushing down spot rates on this trade lane. Hence, Drewry expects spot rates to continue to decrease in the coming weeks.
• Drewry’s Container Forecaster expects the supply-demand balance to weaken again in 2H25, which will cause spot rates to contract. The volatility and timing of rate changes will depend on Trump’s future tariffs and on capacity changes related to the introduction of US penalties on Chinese ships, which are uncertain.