Drewry WCI slides on weak demand ahead of CNY factory closures

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) eased a further 1.32 per cent to $1,933 per 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU) for the week ending February 12, 2026, according to Drewry’s weekly report. The index stood at $1,959 per FEU in the week ending February 5. The WCI has declined for the fifth consecutive week, mainly due to lower rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.

According to the report, spot rates from Shanghai to major US destinations declined slightly amid low cargo volumes, with rates to Los Angeles and New York falling 1 per cent to $2,214 and $2,800 per 40 ft container, respectively.

In response to weak demand ahead of factory closures, carriers managed capacity by announcing 57 blank sailings over the next two weeks on the Transpacific East and West Coast trade lanes—significantly higher than in previous years—according to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight. As a result, spot rates on this trade are expected to decline slightly in the coming weeks.

Spot rates on Asia–Europe routes also continued to fall, with Shanghai–Rotterdam down 2 per cent to $2,127 per 40ft container and Shanghai–Genoa dropping 3 per cent to $2,965. Carriers have announced 24 blank sailings on the Asia–Europe/Mediterranean route over the next two weeks due to ongoing market volatility and Chinese New Year (CNY) factory closures.

Rates from New York to Rotterdam rose 2 per cent to $966 per FEU, while Rotterdam–New York increased 1 per cent to $1,616 per FEU. Rotterdam–Shanghai rates were up 2 per cent to $525 per FEU, while Los Angeles–Shanghai remained steady at $726 per 40-foot container.

Container spot rates are falling sharply, signalling a weak market, contrary to expectations of rising demand ahead of the Chinese New Year. This year, rates peaked earlier than usual, and if the typical seasonal pattern holds, they may decline further. Drewry expects spot rates on this trade to ease slightly in the coming weeks.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)