Drewry’s World Container Index Dips 3% to $2,091 Per 40ft Container
As of Thursday, 01 May 2025, Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) saw a 3% decline, bringing the cost to $2,091 for a standard 40-foot container. This marks a continued easing in freight rates from recent highs, although the index remains significantly below its pandemic peak of $10,377 recorded in September 2021. Despite the drop, the index is still 47% higher than the pre-pandemic average of $1,420 in 2019, reflecting lingering supply chain disruptions and market volatility.
For the year-to-date (YTD), the composite index closed at an average of $2,811 per 40ft container, which is about $82 below the 10-year average of $2,893. It’s worth noting that this average has been heavily inflated by the extraordinary freight rates seen during the COVID-19 period of 2020-2022.
In terms of specific routes, freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam fell 5%, down $110 to $2,202 per 40ft container. Rates from Rotterdam to Shanghai and Shanghai to Genoa also declined 4%, now at $464 and $2,889 respectively. The trend continued with rates from Shanghai to New York decreasing 3%, to $3,500, and from Rotterdam to New York dropping 3% to $2,041.
On the westbound side, rates from Los Angeles to Shanghai fell 2%, down $16 to $689 per 40ft container. Conversely, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased by 1%, shedding $27 to $2,590. Notably, rates from New York to Rotterdam increased slightly by 2%, up $17 to $842.
Drewry anticipates further declines in freight rates in the coming week, citing ongoing market uncertainty driven by reciprocal tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The continued volatility underscores the fragile equilibrium in global shipping markets, with rates likely to remain under pressure amid ongoing economic and political challenges.
Source: drewry.co.uk
