Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) declined by 3% this week, maintaining stability after a volatile period. The unpredictability began in April following the U.S. announcement of customs tariffs, which caused prices to rise from May to early June. Subsequently, the market experienced a significant drop until mid-July, but this downward trend lost momentum, and the rate of decline slowed considerably.
Transpacific spot rates fell this week. Shanghai-Los Angeles rates dropped by 4% ($2,534/FEU), and Shanghai-New York rates also declined by 7% ($3,826/FEU). As the pre-tariff surge in cargo shipments has ended, Drewry anticipates that spot rates will be less volatile in the coming week.
Drewry’s Container Forecaster predicts that the supply-demand balance will weaken again in the second half of 2025, leading to a contraction in spot rates. The fluctuation and timing of rate changes will depend on future U.S. tariffs under Trump and capacity adjustments related to U.S. sanctions on Chinese vessels, which remain uncertain.
7DENİZ
