The Global Container Index (World Container Index or WCI) increased by 3% on October 15, 2026, reaching $4485 for a 40-foot container. This increase is mainly due to rising rates on the Asia-Europe trade route.
Transpacific and Asia-Europe Rates
On the Transpacific trade route, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles reached $7884 for a 40-foot container, which is a 3% increase. Meanwhile, rates from Shanghai to New York decreased by 1% to $10075. According to Drewry, six empty trips have been announced for next week, showing little change from this week and indicating capacity stability. High demand for imports in the United States has continued to support high rates. Rates are expected to be less volatile next week.
Impacts on the Asia-Europe Route
On the Asia-Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased by 6% to $3522 and from Shanghai to Genoa increased by 7% to $3945 for a 40-foot container. Additionally, the number of empty trips for next week has decreased to two, indicating an improvement in capacity. After 13 consecutive weeks of decline, rates on the Asia-Europe route have increased this week. However, the reduction in empty trips and the resumption of traffic in the Suez Canal have contributed to increasing capacity on this route.
Companies are trying to raise rates through FAK (Freight All Kinds) rates, which will be implemented between $4500 and $4800 for a 40-foot container on the Asia-Europe route on October 19. However, the successful implementation of these rates remains uncertain due to increased capacity. Therefore, rates are expected to remain stable next week.
The East-West container shipping market has improved after the Golden Week holidays, and cargo flow has resumed. High demand for imports in the United States continues to support Transpacific rates, while the return of ships to the Suez Canal has helped increase capacity on the Asia-Europe route. Companies are attempting to raise rates through higher FAK rates on the Asia-Europe route, but the successful implementation of these rates under increasing capacity remains uncertain. Therefore, it is noteworthy that fluctuations in rates are being influenced by post-holiday demand, capacity adjustments, and geopolitical uncertainties affecting market conditions.
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