Container rates

Asia–Europe spot rates fall for a 12th straight week as Suez transits add capacity

Drewry's World Container Index fell 1% to USD 4,434 per 40ft container in the reading of 1 October 2026. Asia–Europe rates have now declined for 12 consecutive weeks, while Suez Canal transits in week 39 were 68% higher than a year earlier.

WCI: USD 4,434 per 40ft (−1%)Asia–Europe: 12th weekly fallSuez transits +68% (week 39)

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Published 2026-10-05 · Midtrans Shipping And Services

Reviewed by Khaldoun Al-Khouli, General Manager

The composite index

Down 1% to USD 4,434 per 40ft container.

Asia–Europe and Suez

Twelve consecutive weekly declines; Suez transits 68% above the same week last year.

What the index is

A market average for main trade lanes, not a quotation for your lane.

For importers

A useful signal for fourth-quarter imports; check how long your quote stays valid.

The reading

Composite index down 1% to USD 4,434

Drewry's World Container Index (WCI) fell 1% to USD 4,434 per 40ft container in the reading of 1 October 2026, as reported by Daily Cargo News on 2 October.

By route: Shanghai to Genoa fell 3% to USD 3,702; Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 2% to USD 3,399; Shanghai to Los Angeles was stable at USD 7,835; Shanghai to New York rose 1% to USD 10,428, all per 40ft container.

Shanghai–Genoa: USD 3,702 (−3%)
Shanghai–Rotterdam: USD 3,399 (−2%)
Shanghai–New York: USD 10,428 (+1%)

Asia–Europe

Twelve weeks of decline, and more ships through Suez

Rates on the Asia–Europe trade have now declined for 12 consecutive weeks, reflecting weak demand. Suez Canal transits in week 39 were 68% higher than in the same week last year, which returns capacity to the trade.

Ten blank sailings were announced for next week, down from 13 this week, of which five are on Asia–Europe, down from six. Drewry expects rates to decrease next week because of factory closures during China's Golden Week, and Asia–Europe rates to continue declining over the holiday period.

12 consecutive weekly declines
Suez transits +68% year on year (week 39)
Blank sailings next week: 10 (from 13)

How to read it

A market average, not a quotation

The WCI is an average of spot rates on a set of main east–west trade lanes. It is not a quotation, and it does not cover destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean or the Gulf.

A fall in the index shows the direction of the market on those main lanes. The rate for a specific lane, carrier and booking date is confirmed in the quotation for that shipment.

An average for main trade lanes
Not a quotation
Does not cover East Med or Gulf destinations

For importers

What to check when planning fourth-quarter imports

For importers planning cargo for the fourth quarter, the reading is a useful signal of market direction, not a price to budget on.

In a moving market the validity of the quotation matters: how long it stays valid, what it includes, and what happens if conditions change before the cargo ships.

How long the quote stays valid
What the quote includes
What happens if conditions change

Sources

Daily Cargo News: World Container Index - 1 October 2026 · 2026-10-02

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What was the Drewry WCI reading on 1 October 2026?

The composite index fell 1% to USD 4,434 per 40ft container, according to Daily Cargo News on 2 October 2026.

How long have Asia–Europe spot rates been falling?

For 12 consecutive weeks as of the 1 October 2026 reading. Shanghai–Genoa fell 3% to USD 3,702 and Shanghai–Rotterdam fell 2% to USD 3,399 per 40ft container.

Does the WCI show the rate to Syria or the Gulf?

No. The index is an average for main east–west trade lanes and does not cover Eastern Mediterranean or Gulf destinations. The rate for a specific lane is confirmed in the quotation.

What should I check in a quotation when rates are moving?

How long the quotation stays valid, what it includes, and what happens if conditions change before the cargo ships.

Planning a shipment for the fourth quarter?

Send us your cargo details and our team will confirm the current rate and its validity with your quote.

Request a freight quote Contact our operations desk