When using, citing, or distributing the materials from this report, it is mandatory to reference the ERAI portal and include the webpage address https://index1520.com as the source of information.
The ERAI (Eurasian Rail Alliance Index) is a composite indicator that tracks the cost of container shipments by rail across the EAEU territory (1520 mm gauge) on the China—Europe—China route.
Key trends
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The composite ERAI index stood at $3912/FEU in August 2026, up 0.2% from the previous month.
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ERAI West sub-index edged up to $4082/FEU, while ERAI East was almost unchanged $2603/FEU.
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Meanwhile, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) for the Shanghai-Rotterdam route decreased by 9% in August 2026, from $4810 to $4390/FEU, amid the fading of the seasonal trend. In August, the spread between rail and ocean freight rate benchmarks (ERAI vs WCI) was approximately $500/FEU in favour of rail services. Moreover, rail continues to offer transit times several times shorter than ocean shipping.
Figures for August 2026 ($/FEU)
| Index | Value | MoM change | YoY change |
| ERAI Composite | 3 912 | +0,2% | +18,8% |
| ERAI West (China – Europe) | 4 082 | 0,0% | +21,0% |
| ERAI East (China – Europe) | 2 603 | -0,2% | -0,2% |
ERAI index, 2025–2026 ($/FEU)
Rail vs Ocean
In August, ERAI values remain broadly in line with July levels. Ocean freight rates have been on a steady decline.
ERAI and WCI comparison, 2025–2026 monthly averages (USD/FEU)
About the ERAI Index and Portal
For detailed information on the ERAI index and the driving factors behind it, please visit the ERAI web portal at https://index1520.com/en. The portal serves as a comprehensive information and analytical hub for Eurasian logistics, offering:
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ERAI quotes
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China-Europe rail statistics
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Analytical reports
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Expert interviews
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Industry news
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CO₂ counter, and more.
Contacts
For inquiries: info@index1520.com
