December 11th data shows the World Container Index (WCI) increased 2% this week to $1,57 per 40 ft container, marking a second consecutive weekly increase.

Despite a decline in transpacific freight rates, the increase was mainly due a rise in the spot rates on the Asia-Europe trade lanes.

The transpacific route’s rates showed a brief recovery after rebounding from their point of the year since January last week, only to fall once again this week.

Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles fell 7% to $2,03 per 40 ft container, while spot rates to New York dropped 5% to $2,756.

According to the Container Ins, the number of blank sailings on the Pacific increased this week and is expected to increase further, with 12 sailings canceled next week already announced. Despite carriers blanking these sailings to prop up declining spot rates, the strategy is proving difficult to execute due to a lack of volume.

With most Christmas cargo already shipped in November current volumes are not sufficient to support rates. As such, the WCI expects rates to decrease slightly next week.

In contrast to the transpacific, the-Europe trade lanes have managed to maintain steady or increasing levels in the past four weeks, with this strong performance driven by a shift in seasonal patterns.

Spot on the Shanghai to Genoa route surged, with rates for a 40 ft container climbing 13% to $3,004; while rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 5% to $2,361.

Over the past three years, the WCI has observed a double-digit monthly demand increase December, which has become the “new normal”. With Chinese New Year in February of 2026, carriers have already seen early bookings, and the WCI therefore rates will increase slightly again next week.