News / Strong gains on the transpacific as US imports swell and GRIs begin to bite

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Container spot freight rates on the key transpacific eastbound trade have started 2025 with strong gains, following the partial implementation of 1 January general rate increases (GRIs) and ongoing healthy demand.

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) showed a 7% week-on-week gain on its Shanghai-Los Angeles leg, to finish the week at $4,829 per 40ft, a level that is 77% above the same point of 2024.

Meanwhile, the WCI’s Shanghai-New York leg grew 6% week on week, to $6,445 per 40ft, 67% up ...