Drewry: World Container Index Up 12% Last Week in International Shipping News 20/06/2026 For many years, World Container Index (WCI) has been the go-to, independent, global reference for index-linked contracts. If your organisation requires regional visibility/coverage beyond the eight trade lanes provided below, contact the team. Source: Drewry World Container Index, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors WCI climbs to an 18-month high. Our detailed assessment for Thursday, 18 Jun 2026 The Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the benchmark widely referenced by procurement teams, increased 12% to $3,969 per 40ft container, driven by growth in rates on the Transpacific and Asia to Europe trade routes. The composite index is at its highest level in 18 months. On the Transpacific trade route, spot rates increased again this week, with those on Shanghai to New York rising 15% to $6,769 per 40ft container and Shanghai to Los Angeles jumping 10% to $5,142 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, six blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for the next week, reflecting capacity management by carriers. Carriers are increasing rates by implementing surcharges to manage rising demand driven by cargo frontloading ahead of US tariff changes expected in July. Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming weeks. On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates expanded this week. Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 15% to $4,342 per 40ft container, and those from Shanghai to Genoa increased 12% to $5,756 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, only three blank sailings have been announced on the Asia to Europe trade route for the next week, reflecting tight capacity. Strong peak season demand due to frontloading of cargo ahead of the expected 1 July bunker fuel adjustment, enabled carriers to successfully implement surcharges. Carriers have announced further PSS and higher FAK rates from July.