Global container shipping rates have risen by 1% this week, reaching $2,213 for a 40-foot container. This marks the fourth consecutive week of increases, as shipping carriers benefit from steady demand on major trade routes as the new year approaches. The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) reflects this trend, showcasing a significant recovery since early December when rates were at their lowest levels since January 2025.
The Asia-Europe routes exhibited notable strength, with spot rates from Shanghai to Genoa increasing by 3% to $3,427 per container. Similarly, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose by 2% to $2,584. This consistency in rising or stable rates over the past month indicates a shift in seasonal shipping patterns, defying expectations of a traditional seasonal downturn during the holiday period. Early bookings ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year in February 2026 are already being recorded, suggesting potential for more rate increases soon.
Contrastingly, while Transpacific routes showed stability this week, they had experienced substantial gains previously. Current rates stand firmly, with Shanghai to New York at $3,293 and Shanghai to Los Angeles at $2,474. Although Drewry expects rates on these routes to remain stable in the short term, there are predictions of slight increases on Asia-Europe lanes as demand builds prior to the Lunar New Year.
This uptick in rates marks a sharp turnaround from just two weeks ago, when carriers faced significant challenges due to dwindling volumes after the majority of holiday inventory was shipped early. Analysts noted a “fundamental volume problem,” exacerbated by increasing blank sailings aimed at bolstering rates through reduced capacity. This rapid change emphasizes the ongoing volatility within the container shipping market, influenced by shifting seasonal demands, capacity management issues, and geopolitical factors affecting critical shipping channels.
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