Container rates up for third straight week

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased six per cent to US$2,712 per 40-ft container for the week of May 18-22, mainly due to higher freight rates on the Asia to Europe trade route.

Increases on the Asia–Europe trade route were supported by early peak season demand and higher freight-all-kinds (FAK) levels. Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam surged 15 per cent to US$2,773 per 40-ft container, and those from Shanghai to Genoa jumped 10 per cent to US$4,082. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only three blank sailings have been announced on the Asia to Europe trade route for next week, indicating higher capacity deployment to accommodate peak season cargo. CMA CGM has announced new FAK levels, effective June 1, which are set above current levels, with Asia–Europe rates at around US$4,700 per 40-ft container and Asia–Mediterranean rates in the range of US$5,500–US$5,700. As the early peak season looms, with carriers continuing to raise FAK levels, Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming weeks.

On the Transpacific trade route, rates increased slightly this week. Freight rates from Shanghai to New York grew two per cent to US$4,317 per 40ft container, and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles ticked up one per cent to US$3,385. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, seven blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for the next week, indicating tighter capacity and creating scope for carriers to implement higher FAK rates. Early peak season trends are also expected to emerge on the Transpacific trade lane. ONE has announced a peak season surcharge (PSS) of US$2,000 per 40-ft container on Transpacific eastbound cargo, effective June 1. Drewry expects rates to increase in the coming weeks.

Overall, East–West container freight markets are firming as the peak season arrives earlier than usual this year. Carriers are pushing rates higher through increased FAK levels and PSS, while also tightening supply through blank sailings and selective capacity management. Meanwhile, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted global shipping sentiment, with emergency fuel surcharges and elevated bunker costs adding further uncertainty and upward cost pressure across trade lanes.