World Container Index drops for sixth straight week

According to Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA), the World Container Index (WCI) slipped 3.3% in Week 30, settling at US$2,517 per FEU. This marks the sixth consecutive weekly drop and a sharp 57% decline from the same time last year.

The recent slide comes after a brief rate surge earlier this summer, which followed the U.S. announcement of higher tariffs in April. The market didn’t react right away. Rates started to climb in May and peaked in early June. But since mid-June, rates have moved steadily downward, suggesting the tariff-driven momentum has faded.

This week, Trans-Pacific spot rates took a hit. Shanghai to Los Angeles rates dropped 5% (US$142) to US$2,675 per FEU. Shanghai to New York fell even further, down 7% (US$329) to US$4,210 per FEU.

With the temporary pause on U.S. tariffs ending in mid-August, carriers are pulling back. More sailings are being cancelled as the pre-tariff shipping rush winds down. Drewry expects this softening trend to continue into next week.

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