The Global Container Index (WCI), which is considered an independent reference for contracts related to the index, increased by 2% on October 22, 2026, reaching $4585 for each 40-foot container. This increase is particularly due to higher rates on trade routes from Asia to Europe and Trans-Pacific.
Trans-Pacific Rates
On the Trans-Pacific trade route, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased by 2% to $8007 for each 40-foot container, and rates from Shanghai to New York increased by 1% to $10166. According to available reports, only two unused trips have been announced for next week, down from six trips this week, indicating an improvement in transport capacity. High import demand in the United States continues to support shipping rates, and rates are expected to remain stable next week.
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Asia to Europe Rates and Port Status
On the Asia to Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased by 3% to $3632 and from Shanghai to Genoa increased by 5% to $4152. Next week, eight unused trips have been announced, an increase from two trips this week, indicating limited capacity. Shipping companies are putting significant pressure on shipping rates by reducing capacity through unused trips. Meanwhile, congestion at key Asian ports has decreased, and the waiting time for ships in Shanghai has reduced from 97 hours in week 38 to 38 hours in week 42.
Despite the improvement in waiting times for ships generally indicating better port operations, the market outlook remains dependent on demand, capacity adjustments, and regional security developments. In week 42, only two container ships entered the Persian Gulf, down from five ships the previous week. Conversely, trips through the Suez Canal have gradually increased from 54 trips in week 41 to 55 trips in week 42.
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