Annual Review & Outlook 2026
By the Numbers
World Container Index assessed by Drewry
The rate assessment is published by the World Container Index assessed by Drewry and includes the base ocean rate, the fuel surcharge and all other surcharges, but not the Terminal Handling Charge at the destination.
Shanghai to Rotterdam Rate
RISES SLIGHTLY: The Dec. 11, 2025, spot rate from Shanghai to Rotterdam was $ 2,361 per FEU, up $ 120( 5.4 %) from the previous week. The rate was down $ 2,494( 51.4 %) year over year and $ 2,458( 51.0 %) from year-end 2024.
$ 15,000
$ 12,000
$ 9,000
$ 6,000
$ 3,000
High: $ 14,807 10 / 07 / 2021 Low: $ 313 03 / 24 / 2016
$ 0 06 / 23 / 2011
12 / 11 / 2025
Shanghai to Los Angeles Rate
SINKS LOWER: The Dec. 11, 2025, spot rate from Shanghai to Los Angeles was $ 2,103 per FEU, down $ 153( 6.8 %) from the previous week. The rate was down $ 1,479( 41.3 %) year over year and $ 2,396( 53.3 %) from year-end 2024.
$ 15,000
$ 12,000
$ 9,000
$ 6,000
$ 3,000
High: $ 12,424 09 / 16 / 2021 Low: $ 754 04 / 28 / 2016
$ 0 06 / 23 / 2011
12 / 11 / 2025
Rotterdam to New York Rate
CREEPS HIGHER: The Dec. 11, 2025, spot rate from Rotterdam to New York was $ 1,636 per FEU, up $ 4( 0.2 %) from the previous week. The rate was down $ 986( 37.6 %) year over year and $ 1,077( 39.7 %) from year-end 2024.
$ 8,000
$ 6,000
$ 4,000
$ 2,000
High: $ 7,426 11 / 03 / 2022 Low: $ 1,480 12 / 21 / 2023
$ 0 06 / 23 / 2011
12 / 11 / 2025
New York to Rotterdam Rate
TICKS UP: The Dec. 11, 2025, spot rate from New York to Rotterdam was $ 942 per FEU, up $ 26( 2.8 %) from the previous week. The rate was up $ 112( 13.5 %) year over year and $ 118( 14.3 %) from year-end 2024.
$ 2,500
$ 2,000
$ 1,500
$ 1,000
$ 500
High: $ 2,141 07 / 14 / 2011 Low: $ 442 07 / 28 / 2016
$ 0 06 / 23 / 2011
12 / 11 / 2025
Los Angeles to Shanghai Rate
INCHES DOWN: The Dec. 11, 2025, spot rate from Los Angeles to Shanghai was $ 709 per FEU, down $ 10( 1.4 %) from the previous week. The rate was down $ 17( 2.3 %) year over year and $ 17( 2.3 %) from year-end 2024.
$ 1,500
$ 1,200
$ 900
$ 600
$ 300
High: $ 1,479 08 / 05 / 2021 Low: $ 336 01 / 14 / 2016
$ 0 06 / 23 / 2011
12 / 11 / 2025
Drewry( www. drewry. co. uk) is a consulting firm specializing in international maritime transport, providing bid administration support, benchmarking, best practices, fuel programs, market research, technology and procurement advice.
www. joc. com January 5, 2026 | Journal of Commerce 101