Index rebounds after a three-week slide as transpacific increases stick
The first up week since mid-July. Volumes held into August, the increases went through, and congestion in southern China did the rest.
Index levels assessed 6 August 2026. This is the weekly briefing as it was published — it is not updated afterwards. For the current position on your lanes, use the rate explorer.
The week in numbers
| Lane | Level | Week |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | $4,297 | +1% |
| Shanghai – Rotterdam | $4,653 | flat |
| Shanghai – Genoa | $5,506 | −2% |
| Shanghai – Los Angeles | $5,894 | +3% |
| Shanghai – New York | $7,893 | +4% |
What moved, and why
- The composite edged up 1% to $4,297 per 40ft, rebounding after three consecutive weekly declines.
- Transpacific increases held as volumes stayed firm into August: Shanghai–New York up 4%, Shanghai–Los Angeles up 3%.
- Asia–Europe was broadly flat, with Shanghai–Rotterdam unchanged at $4,653 and Shanghai–Genoa easing 2%.
- Port congestion across central and southern China continued to constrain capacity and support rates.
- Eight blank sailings were scheduled for the following week, unchanged on the week, and Drewry expected volatility to reduce.
What it meant for a quote
One up week after three down is not a turn. What made this one worth noting was that the increases held rather than eroding within days, which is the actual test of whether carriers have the capacity discipline to make a level stick. They did, and the transpacific ran for another month on it.
Sources
- Drewry World Container Index, assessment for 6 August 2026, and Drewry Container Capacity Insight.
Figures are as published by the named third parties on the dates given. They are not SeaFreightPrices benchmarks; our own methodology is set out on the methodology page.