Drewry WCI jumps 11% as many routes see double-digit rate hikes

Following the previous weeks’ decline, which had pushed spot rates to their second-lowest level since January 2025, rates on the Transpacific headhaul recovered this week. Spot rates from Shanghai to New York climbed 19 per cent to $3,293 per 40-foot container, while those to Los Angeles rose 18 per cent to $2,474. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 10 blank sailings have been announced for the Transpacific trade lane next week.

Spot rates on the Shanghai–Genoa route recorded a double-digit surge, rising 10 per cent to $3,314 per 40-foot container, while rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam route increased 8 per cent to $2,539. Spot rates on the Asia–Europe trade route have now maintained stable or rising levels for three consecutive weeks, supported by a shift in seasonal patterns.

Rates from New York to Rotterdam rose 2 per cent to $959, while Rotterdam to New York rates remained steady at $1,642 per FEU. Rates between Rotterdam and Shanghai increased 2 per cent to $476, while Los Angeles to Shanghai rates were unchanged at $712 per 40-foot container.

Over the past three years, Drewry has recorded double-digit month-on-month demand growth in December, establishing strong year-end volumes as the ‘new normal’. With carriers already seeing early bookings ahead of the Lunar New Year in February 2026, Drewry expects further modest rate increases next week.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)