Drewry's latest World Container Index (WCI) reveals a significant 10% drop in container freight rates, bringing the cost to $2,795 per 40ft container. This marks a 73% decline from the pandemic peak of $10,377 in September 2021 and the lowest rates recorded since May 2024. Despite this drop, current rates remain 97% higher than the pre-pandemic average of $1,420 in 2019.
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Freight rates on major shipping routes have seen notable declines. Shanghai to New York rates fell 13% to $5,126 per 40ft container, while Shanghai to Los Angeles dropped 11% to $3,888. Similarly, rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam decreased 9% to $2,618, and Shanghai to Genoa fell 8% to $3,837. A smaller decline of 3% was recorded on the Rotterdam to New York route, now at $2,394. Meanwhile, rates on routes from Rotterdam to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Shanghai, and New York to Rotterdam remained stable.
Table: Drewry.
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