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Container spot rates steady as Transpacific gains offset Asia–Europe declines

2 September 2026
4 sources

The Drewry World Container Index remained unchanged at 4,465 dollars per 40‑foot container for the week ending September 3, 2026, as rising Transpacific spot rates offset falling Asia–Europe prices. Shanghai–Los Angeles and Shanghai–New York routes saw increases of 5% and 3%, while Shanghai–Rotterdam and Shanghai–Genoa declined by 5–10%, highlighting diverging regional demand.

According to Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, the composite World Container Index (WCI) held steady at 4,465 USD per 40‑foot container in week 36 of 2026, ending September 3, despite mixed rate movements on the main east–west trades. gCaptain and other maritime outlets report that Transpacific spot rates strengthened: Shanghai–Los Angeles rose about 5% to 7,185 USD per FEU, while Shanghai–New York climbed 3% to 9,587 USD. At the same time, Asia–Europe routes weakened, with Shanghai–Rotterdam down 5% to roughly 4,092 USD and Shanghai–Genoa down 10% to about 4,368 USD per container.

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