On 24 September 2026, gCaptain reported that Drewry’s World Container Index edged 1% lower to USD 4,468 per 40-foot container, reversing the prior week’s modest rise.
The decline was concentrated on Asia–Europe. Shanghai–Genoa fell 5% to USD 3,835 per 40ft and Shanghai–Rotterdam fell 4% to USD 3,485. Drewry said Suez Canal containership transits increased to 48 in Week 38 from 41 a week earlier, adding effective capacity even as seven Asia–Europe blank sailings are announced for next week (up from three).
Transpacific pricing was firmer in the same assessment: Shanghai–Los Angeles rose 2% to USD 7,838 per 40ft, while Shanghai–New York held roughly steady near USD 10,373. Carriers are stepping up capacity management ahead of China’s Golden Week, with 15 Transpacific blank sailings announced for next week versus nine this week, according to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight.
Drewry still expects overall East–West rates to ease again next week as the market moves into the Golden Week holiday and additional Suez-related capacity returns, while Red Sea security, Panama Canal constraints and European inland disruptions remain open risks for schedules.