Drewry’s World Container Index recorded a third consecutive weekly decline in spot container freight rates. In its assessment published on 12 November 2026, the composite index fell by 2% from the previous week to $4,305 per FEU, down from $4,389 on 5 November and $4,429 on 29 October. The decline affected transpacific routes, which Drewry said followed the downturn seen over the previous three weeks on services linking Asia with Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The index nevertheless remains 132% higher year on year.
On the transpacific, rates from Shanghai to New York fell by 3% to $9,020 per FEU, their lowest level since August 2026, while Shanghai–Los Angeles rates dropped by 2% to $7,416, their lowest since September. Rates on the two routes remain 177% and 219% higher year on year, respectively. On the return leg, Los Angeles–Shanghai rates fell by 1% to $807. Carriers are trying to support rates by reducing capacity: Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight lists eight blank sailings for the week following the assessment, compared with four in the current week. Meanwhile, congestion at Shanghai port rose to 49 hours from 36 hours the previous week, ending eleven consecutive weeks of easing. With demand still weak, Drewry expects rates to fall further in its next assessment.
Between Asia and Europe, Shanghai–Rotterdam rates fell by 3% to $3,504 per FEU, while Shanghai–Genoa rates remained stable at $4,168, up 73% and 90% year on year, respectively. On the return leg, Rotterdam–Shanghai rates fell by 3% to $633. Shipping lines are also withdrawing capacity on these routes, with eight blank sailings announced for the following week, compared with five in the current week. They have also announced increases in freight-all-kinds (FAK) rates and peak season surcharges (PSS) from the second half of November. Drewry believes these measures could provide some support for rates and forecasts modest increases over the coming weeks. Transatlantic routes recorded the index’s only gains: New York–Rotterdam and Rotterdam–New York rates both rose by 1%, to $1,188 and $3,083, respectively.
Drewry describes the east–west market outlook as uncertain and identifies shipments brought forward ahead of Lunar New Year as a potential source of temporary support for demand. In areas affected by geopolitical crises, 53 vessels passed through the Suez Canal and just one through the Strait of Hormuz in the week preceding the assessment. The consultancy advises shippers to expect continued rate volatility over the coming weeks and highlights geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing labour negotiations at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as risks to container shipping.
M.G.
