Average spot container shipping rates in the last week of September 2025 confirmed the downward trend seen throughout the month, according to the World Container Index released by Drewry on 2 October. The composite index, which aggregates all routes, stood at 1,669 $ per 40-foot container, down 5% from the previous week and 52% lower year on year. This marks the sixteenth consecutive weekly drop, bringing rates back to their lowest level since January 2024.
The Asia–Europe trade lanes recorded the sharpest decreases. The Shanghai–Rotterdam route fell 7% in the week to 1,613 $, a 58% annual drop. The correction was even steeper on the Shanghai–Genoa route, down 9% to 1,804 $, 53% lower than a year ago. In contrast, the return leg Rotterdam–Shanghai remained unchanged at 459$ , an annual fall of 22%, considerably less severe than the drop in Asian exports.
On China–US routes, the trend was similar. Shanghai–Los Angeles lost 5% in the week, down to 2,196 $, a 58% fall compared to the previous year. Shanghai–New York slipped 2% to 3,200 $, down 46% year on year. Return shipments were more stable: Los Angeles–Shanghai fell by just 1% to 712 $, broadly in line with levels seen a year ago.
The transatlantic segment showed a divergent pattern. Rotterdam–New York edged down 1% in the week to 1,796 $, a 13% annual decrease. In contrast, New York–Rotterdam gained 1% to 847 $, marking a 17% increase compared to 2024. This divergence points to stronger demand towards Europe than in the opposite direction.
According to Drewry, carriers are increasing blank sailings and cutting capacity to offset weaker demand, particularly in view of China’s Golden Week holiday, which is shutting factories for eight days from 1 October. The institute forecasts a further weakening of the supply–demand balance in the coming quarters, with continued downward pressure on spot rates across the main east–west trade lanes.
