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Container ship NYK Themis at berth at the Port of Los Angeles, USA

Container rates to the US ease in late October 2026, but the composite index stays near USD 4,400 per FEU

  • Author: C.A.S Logistics
  • 2 min read

Since May 2026, container rates on Vietnam’s main export lanes have climbed sharply, as several outlets reported (Tuổi Trẻ on 2 July 2026, Dân trí on 14 July 2026). By week 28 of 2026, Drewry’s WCI stood at USD 4,639 per FEU.

Key points

  • Latest figures: according to Drewry on 29 October 2026, the composite World Container Index (WCI) fell 3% week on week to USD 4,429 per 40-foot container, ending two weeks of increases.
  • Transpacific rates down: Shanghai to Los Angeles fell 6% to USD 7,514 per FEU, and Shanghai to New York fell 5% to USD 9,631 per FEU.
  • Asia–Europe flat: Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 1% to USD 3,686 per FEU, and Shanghai to Genoa was stable at USD 4,151 per FEU.
  • Drewry’s view: the analyst expects transpacific rates to ease further on weaker US import demand, and Asia–Europe rates to stay stable.
  • Why rates rose: press reports cited US importers bringing orders forward ahead of tariff deadlines, and (as of July 2026) many ships still sailing around the Cape of Good Hope instead of through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, which adds 10–20 days to voyages.

Note: the WCI tracks spot rates out of China. Actual rates from Vietnamese ports depend on the carrier, timing and surcharges.

Impact on importers and exporters

Many export contracts were signed before rates rose, so selling prices are hard to adjust. On CFR/CIF terms, the exporter pays the extra freight. Both Tuổi Trẻ and Dân trí reported that companies also face surcharges and extra costs when schedules change. Longer voyages also tie up working capital and raise storage costs, especially for reefer cargo.

What to do

  • Track weekly rate indices and compare them with actual quotes from carriers and agents.
  • Review Incoterms and freight-adjustment clauses in new contracts.
  • Book early and consider several carriers and transshipment ports. Be cautious about locking in long-term rates at high levels, as trade associations advise.
  • Check surcharges, free time for containers and contingency plans for schedule changes.

Sources

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