Drewry: World Container Index rises for the third consecutive week

⑴ According to the Drewry report, the World Container Index rose for the third consecutive week this week (as of March 19), closing at $2,172/FEU, an increase of 2%, mainly driven by rising freight rates on trans-Pacific routes. ⑵ Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, which continues to bring uncertainty to the global supply chain, short-term support for freight rates has formed. Drewry expects spot rates on this route to continue rising in the coming weeks. ⑶ The attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran have disrupted tanker transportation in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up crude oil prices and triggering market concerns. Rising transportation costs have prompted shipping companies to introduce emergency fuel surcharges.