The Global Container Index (WCI) compiled by consulting firm Drewry recorded a 6% increase during the last week, reaching an average value of $2,712 per 40-foot container (FEU). The rise is mainly due to the increasing freight rates on routes between Asia and Europe, where the early start of the peak season and the implementation of higher FAK rates are putting upward pressure on prices.
The steepest increases were concentrated on maritime corridors heading to the European continent. Rates between Shanghai and Rotterdam skyrocketed by 15%, reaching $2,773 per FEU (2,389 euros), while those corresponding to the Shanghai-Genoa route increased by 10%, reaching $4,082 per FEU (3,517 euros). According to the consultant's data, only three cancellations of crossings on the Asia-Europe trade route have been announced for the upcoming week, which points to a greater capacity deployed by shipping companies to absorb the load associated with the peak season.
In this context, CMA CGM has implemented new FAK rates that will come into effect on June 1 and are above current levels. Specifically, the new rates reach $4,700 per FEU for routes between Asia and Europe, and range between $5,500 and $5,700 per FEU for Asia-Mediterranean connections.
On the trans-Pacific trade route, prices experienced more moderate increases. Freight from Shanghai to New York rose by 2%, reaching $4,317 per FEU (3,719 euros), and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose by 1%, reaching $3,385 per FEU (2,916 euros). According to Drewry's Container Capacity Insight report, seven route cancellations have been announced on the trans-Pacific route for the upcoming week, indicating lower available capacity and opening room for shipping companies to apply higher surcharges.
In the trans-Pacific area, the shipping company ONE has announced a peak season surcharge of $2,000 per FEU (1,723 euros) for eastbound cargo, which will also take effect on June 1.
According to sources from the consulting firm, container freight markets on East-West corridors are consolidating as the peak season arrives earlier than usual this year. Shipping companies are raising rates by increasing FAK levels and peak season surcharges (PSS), while reducing supply through route cancellations and selective capacity management.
To these factors is added the uncertainty derived from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which continue to affect global shipping sector confidence. Emergency surcharges on fuel and the rise in associated costs create additional upward pressure on prices across all trade routes.
Drewry expects rates to continue rising in the coming weeks, both on routes between Asia and Europe and on trans-Pacific connections, in a scenario marked by a combination of growing seasonal demand, capacity management strategies by shipping companies, and a geopolitical environment that remains unstable.