The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell 2% this week to US$4,547 per 40ft container, ending 10 consecutive weeks of gains. Drewry said the decline suggests that the strong peak season momentum is beginning to ease. However, carrier capacity management continues to support freight rates. On the Transpacific trade, spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles fell 3% to US$6,272 per 40ft container. Rates from Shanghai to New York remained unchanged at US$7,879. Drewry said nine blank sailings are scheduled on the Transpacific route next week. The reduced capacity should help prevent a sharp fall in spot rates as front-loading ahead of the US tariff deadline slows. Carriers also announced FAK rate increases of US$7,900 to US$8,500 per FEU from 15 July, but the increases did not hold. On the Asia-Europe trade, rates from Shanghai to Genoa declined 3% to US$6,300 per FEU. Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam slipped 1% to US$4,873. Drewry also noted that congestion at European ports continues to ease. Average vessel waiting times at Genoa fell by 33 hours compared with the previous week. On other routes, Rotterdam to New York rates fell 2% to US$2,667, while New York to Rotterdam increased 1% to US$1,037. Rates from Rotterdam to Shanghai slipped 1% to US$605, while Los Angeles to Shanghai remained unchanged at US$825. Drewry said geopolitical risks continue to shape the market. The consultancy highlighted ongoing US-Iran tensions, uncertainty around shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the possibility of new US security charges for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The current US tariff suspension is due to expire on 24 July, while potential new tariffs could take effect in early August. Although early peak season demand is moderating, Drewry expects carrier capacity management and geopolitical uncertainty to keep freight rates broadly stable in the coming week. The post Drewry World Container Index slips as peak season momentum eases appeared first on Contai