Drewry WCI rises 8.4% as Middle East tensions lift freight rates

13 Mar '26

2 min read

Drewry WCI rises 8.4% as Middle East tensions lift freight rates

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Insights

The Drewry World Container Index rose 8.4 per cent to $2,123 per FEU, marking a second consecutive weekly increase, driven mainly by sharp rate gains on the Asia–Europe route and moderate rises on the Transpacific corridor.
Limited blank sailings and planned freight rate hikes by major carriers could keep spot rates elevated as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt global supply chains.

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) further surged 8.42 to $2,123 per FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) for the week ending March 12, consecutive increased in the second week. The index stood at $1,958 per FEU in the week ending February 26. The index increased mainly due to a sharp rise in rates on the Asia–Europe route, alongside gains on the Transpacific route.

Notably, while double-digit growth was observed on the Transpacific route last week, the Asia–Europe route recorded a double-digit increase this week.

Spot rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam trade route increased 19 per cent to $2,443 per 40-foot container and those on Shanghai–Genoa increased 10 per cent to $3,120 per 40-foot container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only 5 blank sailings have been announced on the Asia–Europe trade route next week.

Meanwhile, several carriers such as MSC and CMA CGM have announced higher FAK rates effective 22 March. As carriers continue to manage capacity while implementing rate increases, Drewry expects spot rates to rise further in the coming weeks.

Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 4 per cent to $2,503 per 40-foot container, while those from Shanghai to New York increased 3 per cent to $3,080 per 40-foot container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 7 blank sailings have been announced for the next week on the Transpacific East and West Coast trade routes.

Rates from New York to Rotterdam decreased 2 per cent to $942 per FEU, while Rotterdam-New York eased 3 per cent to $1,527 per FEU. Rotterdam-Shanghai slipped 3 per cent to $528 per FEU, and Los Angeles–Shanghai remained stable at $723 per 40-foot container.

The ongoing Middle East conflict continues to affect global supply chains, supporting higher freight rates in the short term. Drewry thus expects spot rates on this trade to increase in the coming weeks.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

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