The downwards trend line in Asia-Europe spot freight rates has finally been reversed, according to data from World Container Index Shanghai-Europe.

Whereas the first four months of 2016 saw 50% or larger reductions in freight rates and record-low spot rate levels, a series of five consecutive monthly rate increases that started in April and continued again on Aug. 1 has resulted in a return to an upwards trend line, according to shipping consultancy Drewry.

"Shippers and cargo owners booking under spot rates enjoyed huge cost reductions while carriers suffered substantial revenue shortfalls in early 2016 on the Asia-Europe route but, as we predicted, this extreme situation did not last," said Philip Damas, director at Drewry, which jointly owns WCI alongside Cleartrade Exchange.

The average Shanghai-Rotterdam spot rate of just US$772/40ft container for the period January-April nearly doubled, from a low base, to US$1,467 on average for the period to May-August. Shanghai-Rotterdam WCI rate is US$1,914, up 52% on last week and up 6% on the same week of 2015.