Drewry’s World Container Index increased 16% to $2,557 per 40ft container this week.

Drewry World Container Index (US$/40ft)

WCI Trade Routes from Shanghai (US$/40ft)

Source: Drewry World Container Index, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors

Our detailed assessment for Thursday, 08 Jan 2026

• The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased 16% to $2,557 per 40ft container, mainly due to rate hikes on Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.

• Spot rates on the Shanghai–Genoa increased 13% to $3,885 per 40ft container, while those on Shanghai–Rotterdam rose 10% to $2,840 per 40ft container. This upward momentum was driven by higher FAK rates implemented by carriers.

• Spot rates on Shanghai to Los Angeles surged 26% to $3,132 per 40ft container and those from Shanghai to New York increased 20% to $3,957 per 40ft container.

• Capacity rose 7–10% MoM on both Asia–North American routes and 5–7% on Asia–North Europe/Med routes in January, while anecdotal information points to soft volumes from Asia to the US, indicating that these large increases appear opportunistic and unlikely to last long.