The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 3% this week (as of June 11) to $3,/FEU, driven mainly by rate increases on the Trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes. This year’s peak season has arrived earlier than in previous years, with stronger demand and consequently higher freight rates.
On the Trans-Pacific route, spot rates continued to rise this week. The Shanghai to Los Angeles rate increased by 3% to $4,/FEU, while the Shanghai to New York rate rose by 7% to $5,/FEU. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Weekly, only three blank sailings have been announced on the Trans-Pacific route for next week, far fewer than in previous weeks, indicating that carriers are optimistic about subsequent cargo volumes. On the demand side, on one hand, the US may adjust tariffs in July, prompting shippers to rush shipments forward; on the other hand, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico has also generated additional cargo volumes. Furthermore, carriers have successfully implemented peak season surcharges on the Trans-Pacific eastbound route this month. As the peak season arrives, seasonal demand will further strengthen in June, and Drewry expects freight rates to maintain an upward trend in the coming weeks.
On the Asia-Europe route, also affected by the earlier peak season, spot rates rose this week. The Shanghai to Rotterdam rate increased by 5% to $3,/FEU, while the Shanghai to Genoa rate rose by 1% to $5,/FEU. Due to the expected adjustment of bunker surcharges on July 1, some shippers have chosen to ship cargo early in June, leading to a significant increase in volumes. Carriers have successfully implemented higher General Rate Increases (GRI) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) on the Asia-Europe route this month. MSC announced that, effective June 15, FAK rates for Asia to North Europe will be raised to $6,000 per 40ft container, and for Asia to West Mediterranean to $6,500 per 40ft container. CMA CGM and ONE also announced a PSS of $500 to $600 per 20ft container, effective June 15. Drewry expects freight rates to continue rising in the coming weeks.
Overall, the peak season for the east-west container freight market has arrived earlier this year, with the market continuing to strengthen. Importers are placing orders early to receive goods before the traditional peak season. Retailers are also replenishing inventory ahead of major promotional events in June and July—such as Amazon Prime Day and TikTok’s mid-year sale—with stocking times earlier than in previous years. Meanwhile, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East continues to impact market sentiment, with rising fuel costs and increased bunker surcharges further pushing up freight rates. Raw material costs are also rising accordingly; China’s PMI has remained high since the outbreak of the conflict, currently standing at 60.5 points.
