For many years, World Container Index has been the go-to, independent, global reference for index-linked contracts. If your organisation is considering index-linked contracts or requires regional visibility/coverage beyond the eight trade lanes provided below, contact our ocean freight cost benchmarking team.

Source: Drewry World Container Index, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors

Drewry’s World Container Index decreased 5% to $1,669 per 40ft container this week.

Our detailed assessment for Thursday, 02 Oct 2025

• The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell 5% to $1,669 per 40ft container, marking the 16th consecutive weekly decline and reaching the lowest level since January 2024.
• Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 5% to $2,196 per 40ft container, while those from Shanghai to New York decreased 2% to $3,200 per 40ft container.
• Asia–Europe spot rates fell this week again, reducing for the 10th consecutive week— declined 7% ($1,613 per 40ft container) on Shanghai–Rotterdam and 9% ($1,804 per 40ft container) on Shanghai–Genoa.
• Carriers are increasing blank sailings and reducing capacity to align with slowing demand ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday when factories will be shut for eight days from 1 October. As a result, East–West spot rates are expected to decrease in the coming weeks.
• Drewry’s Container Forecaster expects the supply-demand balance to weaken in the next few quarters, which will cause spot rates to contract.
  Source: Drewry