Drewry’s World Container Index has experienced a notable 2% increase this week, reaching $2,208 per 40-foot container. This shift offers an essential snapshot for organizations involved in logistics and shipping.
As a key reference for index-linked contracts, Drewry’s index is crucial for companies seeking cost benchmarking and procurement insights. Should any organization require a deeper understanding of these contracts or coverage beyond the primary eight trade lanes, Drewry’s team is available to assist.
As of Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Drewry WCI composite index remains significantly lower than its peak during the pandemic, which reached $10,377 in September 2021. Currently, it stands 79% below that high watermark.
By comparison, it sits 55% above the average of $1,420 recorded in 2019, prior to the pandemic. The year-to-date composite index averages $2,993 per 40-foot container, which is $105 higher than the ten-year average of $2,887, a figure inflated by the extraordinary conditions of the 2020-2022 COVID period.
In terms of specific trade routes, freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles surged by 10% ($239), now totaling $2,726 per 40-foot container. Similarly, rates from Shanghai to New York rose by 8% ($272) to reach $3,894.
However, some routes saw a decrease; for instance, Rotterdam to Shanghai fell by 7% ($34) and Shanghai to Genoa declined by 4% ($140). Furthermore, the Transpacific trade lane has shown a reversal in its trend of declining rates, likely due to recent sailing cancellations.
The recent imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration is expected to introduce increased volatility in these spot rates.