Drewry Container Index Rises 2% as U.S. Import Demand Lifts Trans-Pacific Rates

Drewry's World Container Index rose 2% to $4,585 per 40-foot container, supported by strong U.S. import demand and carrier capacity cuts on trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes. Shanghai-to-Los Angeles rates increased 2% to $8,007 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai-to-New York rates edged up 1% to $10,166. Drewry expects trans-Pacific rates to hold stable next week as U.S. import demand offsets additional available capacity. Carriers announced only two blank sailings on the trans-Pacific for next week, down from six this week. Shanghai-to-Rotterdam rates rose 3% to $3,632, and Shanghai-to-Genoa rates climbed 5% to $4,152. Asia-Europe trade faces eight blank sailings next week, up from two, tightening capacity and supporting a slight rate increase. The moves come as congestion at key Asian ports eases. Vessel waiting times at Shanghai fell from 97 hours in Week 38 to 38 hours in Week 42. Persian Gulf security risks persist, with only two containerships entering the Gulf in Week 42, down from five.