Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) — which tracks the freight rates for 40-foot containers on eight major shipping routes — increased 3% to $3,905 USD per container in its first weekly reading of 2025, taken Jan. 2.

Data from London-based maritime research consultancy showed that its WCI increased 66.7% year-over-year.

The YTD composite index of $3,905 per container rose by $1,040 compared to the 10-year average of $2,865. However, it declined by 34.2% compared to the most recent high reported by Drewry on July 18 of $5,937.

Meanwhile, freight rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 7% to $4,829 week-to-week, while the rates from this route increased 77% year-over-year. Compared to July 18, this rate declined by 33.7%. Similarly, rates from Shanghai to New York rose 6% to $6,445 week-to-week and likewise increased 67% year-over-year. Compared to July 18, this rate decreased by 32.9%.

“Drewry expects rates on the Transpacific trade to rise in the coming week, driven by front-loading ahead of the looming ILA port strike in January 2025 and the anticipated tariff hikes under the incoming Trump Administration,” Drewry said in its latest WCI release.