The pandemic is gradually calming down everywhere, at least for the time being, and as a result, trade around the globe is picking up speed. The demand for containers is immense, but the supply is too small. And so, the prices for goods travelling from one end of the world to the other are rising to unprecedented heights.
General price trend
The Drewry World Container Index shows the current price situation for container journeys. Since the beginning of the pandemic, prices have more than tripled.
Example prices in USD as of 3 June 21 (in % yoy)
Depending on the route – and, thus, on the respective supply – prices have risen by various degrees.
Shanghai - New York: $7,559 (+188%)
New York - Rotterdam: $991 (+95%)
Shanghai - Genoa: $9,900 (+418%)
Global port handling in % compared to previous year
After the slump caused by the Corona crisis in 2020, trade in 2021 is catching up nicely and to date is 8.7% up on the previous year.