Drewry Freight Rate Index Rose 3% to USD 4,485 per FEU

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) recorded a 3% increase in its reading for Thursday, October 15, 2026, reaching USD 4,485 per 40-foot container. According to the consultancy, the rise is mainly explained by higher rates on the Asia-Europe trade route.

On the Transpacific route, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 3% to USD 7,884 per 40-foot container, while rates from Shanghai to New York fell 1% to USD 10,075 per FEU. Drewry noted that strong import demand in the United States continues to keep rates elevated on this route, and that six blank sailings were announced for next week, unchanged from this week, indicating steady capacity.

On the Asia-Europe route, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 6% to USD 3,522 per 40-foot container, and rates from Shanghai to Genoa rose 7% to USD 3,945 per FEU. This result broke a streak of 13 consecutive weeks of declines on this route. Drewry indicated that two blank sailings were announced for next week, down from six this week, pointing to more effective capacity management, against a backdrop in which the resumption of transits through the Suez Canal is also adding available capacity.

Carriers are attempting to push rates higher through increased FAK rates on the Asia-Europe route, which would range between USD 4,500 and USD 4,800 per 40-foot container, effective from October 19. Drewry warned that the successful implementation of these FAK rates remains uncertain given the increase in available capacity, so the consultancy expects rates to remain stable next week.

Drewry described a rebound in the East-West container freight market following Golden Week, as cargo flows resumed. The consultancy anticipated that shippers should expect some rate volatility, driven by the recovery in demand after the holidays, capacity adjustments, and geopolitical uncertainty affecting market conditions.