Global Container Rates Fall Amid Lower Freight Shipments

Drewry World Container Index declines for fifth straight week as cargo volume weakens on key trade routes

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A closely-watched container price index, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI), has fallen for the fifth consecutive week as lower freight volume on benchmark ocean routes from Asia to the United States and Europe has put pressure on global container rates. The WCI declined 1% to $1,933 per forty-foot container (FEU), with spot rates from Shanghai to major U.S. ports also dropping 1% due to weaker cargo demand.

Why it matters

The decline in global container rates is a sign of weakening freight demand, which can have broader implications for international trade and the global economy. Container shipping is a crucial component of global supply chains, so changes in rates and volumes can indicate shifts in consumer and business spending patterns.

The details

To balance capacity amid the lower demand ahead of the Lunar New Year factory closures in China, shipping carriers have announced 57 blank sailings over the next two weeks on the trans-Pacific trade lane to the U.S. East and West Coasts - 'much higher than in previous years.' Drewry expects spot rates on this key trade route to decline slightly in the coming weeks as a result.

  • The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell 1% to $1,933 per forty-foot container (FEU) on February 13, 2026.
  • Spot rates from Shanghai to major U.S. ports declined 1% from the previous week on February 13, 2026.
  • Carriers announced 57 blank sailings over the next two weeks on the trans-Pacific trade lane starting on February 13, 2026.

The players

Drewry

A London-based analyst firm that publishes the closely-watched Drewry World Container Index (WCI).

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The takeaway

The decline in global container rates reflects weakening freight demand, which can have broader implications for international trade and the global economy. The increase in blank sailings by carriers suggests they are proactively managing capacity to address the lower cargo volumes, particularly ahead of the Lunar New Year factory closures in China.