Drewry WCI Falls 1% to $1,933 FEU Amid Weakening Asia-U.S. and Asia-Europe Rates

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) declined 1% to $1,933 per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU), marking its fifth consecutive weekly drop as benchmark Asia-to-U.S. and Europe routes weaken. Spot rates on Shanghai to Los Angeles and New York fell 1% to $2,214 and $2,800, respectively, as carriers added 57 blank sailings over the next two weeks to manage capacity ahead of China’s Lunar New Year, signaling further pressure on rates. Rates on Shanghai to Rotterdam and Genoa fell 2% to $2,127 and 3% to $2,965. Carriers also announced 24 blanks on Asia-Europe/Mediterranean routes, with analysts forecasting continued slight declines in the coming weeks amid weak demand and global uncertainty. Spot rates often precede contract pricing negotiations for 2026.