Drewry World Container Index - 15 Jan

For many years, World Container Index (WCI) has been the go-to, independent, global reference for index-linked contracts. If your organisation is considering index-linked contracts or requires regional visibility/coverage beyond the eight trade lanes provided below, contact our ocean freight cost benchmarking team.

Drewry’s World Container Index decreased 4% to $2,445 per 40ft container this week.

Drewry World Container Index (US$/40ft)

WCI Trade Routes from Shanghai (US$/40ft)

Drewry detailed assessment for Thursday, 15 Jan 2026

• The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) decreased 4% to $2,445 per 40ft container, mainly due to a drop in rates on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trade routes.

• Spot rates on Shanghai to New York decreased 10% to $3,568 per 40ft container and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles decreased 7% to $2,909 per 40ft container. Carriers were unable to sustain rates because of weak demand despite upwards pressure on spot rates due to the expected Chinese New Year factory shutdowns in mid-February.

• Spot rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam decreased 3% to $2,763 per 40ft container, while those on Shanghai–Genoa decreased 1% to $3,839 per 40ft container. Ocean carriers have put on hold their plans to resume transits via the Red Sea amid escalating protests in Iran and the risk of direct US military intervention, which continues to drive volatility in the region.