The Global Container Index (WCI) reached $4,500 for each 40-foot container on September 17, 2026, with a 1% increase. This growth was particularly due to rising rates on the Trans-Pacific trade route.
Trans-Pacific Rates and Capacity Management
On the Trans-Pacific trade route, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased by 5% to $7,712 and from Shanghai to New York increased by 7% to $10,394. Shipping companies are managing capacity by holding empty trips before China's Golden Week holidays. According to Drewry's report, 9 empty trips have been announced for next week, an increase from 8 trips last week, indicating capacity tightness. It is expected that rates will slightly increase next week due to demand before the Golden Week holidays.
Changes in Asia-Europe Route and Existing Challenges
On the Asia-Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Genoa decreased by 5% to $4,016 and from Shanghai to Rotterdam decreased by 9% to $3,626. According to Drewry's report, 4 empty trips have been announced for next week, an increase from 1 trip last week, indicating capacity tightness. The waiting time in Shanghai increased from 65 hours in week 36 to 78 hours in week 37. Given the capacity tightness and ongoing congestion in Asia, rates are expected to slightly decrease next week as demand remains relatively weak.
The East-West container shipping market remains uncertain. Trans-Pacific rates are supported by demand ahead of the Golden Week holidays and capacity management by shipping companies, while Asia-Europe rates are under downward pressure due to the gradual return of services through the Suez Canal and relatively weak demand. Meanwhile, new security risks around the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb could impact the return of Suez services, and potential strikes at German ports could exacerbate congestion and lead to scheduling disruptions in Northern Europe. Congestion at Asian ports and demand ahead of the Golden Week holidays will be key market factors in the coming weeks.
