Global Container Rates Continue 15-Week Decline

Container freight rates are sliding further, with Drewry’s latest World Container Index (WCI) published on September 25th showing $1,761 per 40-foot container, down 8% from the previous week. This marks the 15th straight week of declines, driven largely by falling rates on key trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe routes. Shanghai–Los Angeles dropped 10% to $2,311, while Shanghai–New York fell 8% to $3,278. In Europe, Shanghai–Rotterdam slipped 9% to $1,735 and Shanghai–Genoa 7% to $1,990. Drewry cites weaker demand ahead of China’s Golden Week and shipping lines’ supply adjustments, warning that downward pressure could persist for several quarters.