According to Drewry's latest assessment, the World Container Index (WCI) rose 3% week-on-week to $4,485 per 40ft container for the week ending 15 October 2026, mainly driven by a rebound in Asia-Europe rates. Transpacific rates remained elevated, supported by strong US import demand.
What Happened
The Drewry World Container Index rose 3% last week to $4,485 per 40ft container. By trade lane, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles edged up 3% to $7,884 per 40ft container, while rates from Shanghai to New York fell 1% to $10,075 per 40ft container.
On the Asia-Europe route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 6% to $3,522 per 40ft container, and rates from Shanghai to Genoa rose 7% to $3,945 per 40ft container. This marks the first increase on the Asia-Europe route after 13 consecutive weeks of decline.
On capacity, Drewry's Container Capacity Insight shows six blank sailings announced for next week on the transpacific, unchanged from this week, indicating stable capacity. On Asia-Europe, two blank sailings have been announced for next week, down from six this week, indicating more effective capacity.
Background
The east-west container market rebounded after China's National Day holiday as cargo flows resumed. Strong US import demand continues to support transpacific rates. Meanwhile, the gradual return of vessels to the Suez Canal is adding capacity to the Asia-Europe route.
Carriers are attempting to push up Asia-Europe rates through higher FAK rates, ranging from $4,500 to $4,800 per 40ft container, effective 19 October. However, with capacity increasing, the successful implementation of these FAK rates remains uncertain. Drewry expects rates to remain stable next week.
Impact on Shippers
On transit times, the number of blank sailings on the transpacific is stable, with no significant tightening of capacity, and schedules from China to the US West and East Coasts remain largely normal. On Asia-Europe, fewer blank sailings and the resumption of Suez Canal transits are adding capacity, though this route is less relevant to China-US shippers.
On costs, US West Coast rates edged up while US East Coast rates slipped slightly, but both remain elevated, leaving limited room for shippers to lock in lower prices in the short term. Asia-Europe rates rebounded, but whether carriers' FAK increases will stick remains uncertain. On customs clearance, this rate movement does not involve tariff or clearance policy changes, and shippers can prepare documents as usual.
Recommendations
Shippers are advised to monitor the post-holiday cargo recovery and carriers' blank sailing arrangements. For US West and East Coast routes, consider booking space and locking in rates in advance based on your shipping schedule. For those with Asia-Europe cargo, watch how the FAK rate adjustments effective 19 October are actually implemented and confirm final settlement prices with your freight forwarder. Maintain close communication with forwarders to stay informed of capacity and rate changes.