This week, the Drewry World Container Index stayed the same at $1,852 for a 40-foot container. Falling rates on Transpacific routes were balanced out by rising costs on Asia-Europe routes.

For the second week in a row, spot rates for Transpacific headhaul shipments decreased. Rates from Shanghai to New York dropped by 10%, down to $2,922 per 40-foot container, and rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles fell by 7%, now at $2,172. This downward trend is expected to continue, as Drewry's Container Capacity Insight indicates that the number of blank sailings on Transpacific routes will decrease next week, making more capacity available.

According to the latest review from Drewry, “rates are likely to soften slightly next week.”

On the other hand, the Asia-Europe trade route saw its sixth consecutive week of rising spot rates. Rates from Shanghai to Genoa went up by 6%, reaching $2,319 per 40-foot container, and rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam increased by 8%, now at $2,193. These consistent increases in rates come as carriers implement higher Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates, ranging from $3,100 to $4,000 per 40-foot container, starting December 1.

Experts in the industry suggest that carriers are trying to boost spot rates in anticipation of the upcoming annual contract negotiation season. However, navigating this strategy may become challenging in the future.

Drewry's Container Forecaster predicts that the balance between supply and demand is likely to weaken over the next few quarters, especially if standard Suez Canal operations resume. This could greatly affect the current market dynamics and lead to a decrease in freight rates across various trade routes.

The current stability in rates hides notable differences between regions, with Transpacific routes showing signs of overcapacity, while Asia-Europe routes remain tight as carriers carefully manage their capacity.