TRIESTE – This week the World Container Index (WCI), the index measuring spot container freight rates for 40-foot containers developed by Drewry, recorded a 7% decrease compared with the previous week.
The value fell to $1,959 per 40-foot container. This is the fourth consecutive weekly drop, a sign of a global shipping market still under pressure.
The decline was observed mainly on the key Asia–Europe routes. The rate from Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 9% to $2,164, while the rate between Shanghai and Genoa dropped 7% to $3,048 per 40-foot container.
According to Drewry, the decline reflects lower immediately available spot prices on the main trade lanes and is accompanied by carriers’ move to cancel a number of scheduled departures (so-called blank sailings) in the coming weeks, in response to weak demand ahead of the Chinese New Year.
