Drewry WCI Surges 23% to $3,433/FEU as Early Peak Season Drives Transpacific and Asia-Europe Rates Higher

Summary

The Drewry World Container Index composite jumped 23% week-on-week to $3,433 per 40ft container as of June 4, with transpacific and Asia-Europe lanes leading the surge. Shanghai-Los Angeles spot rates climbed 31% to $4,565/FEU and Shanghai-Rotterdam rose 25% to $3,579/FEU. Carriers announced only three blank sailings on transpacific services next week — signaling strong demand confidence — while importers continued front-loading cargo ahead of expected July US tariff adjustments and FIFA World Cup-related shipments. Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk announced additional surcharge increases effective June 8-10 of $300-$500 per TEU and $600-$1,000 per FEU. Drewry expects further upward pressure through mid-June as peak season demand intensifies.