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 $3903/FEU in July 2026, up 5.4% from the previous month.
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ERAI West sub-index edged up to $4084/FEU, while ERAI East was almost unchanged at $2609/FEU.
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Meanwhile, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) for the Shanghai-Rotterdam route rose by 16% in July 2026, from $4154 to $4810/FEU, reflecting a seasonal increase in ocean freight activity. In July, the spread between rail and ocean freight rate benchmarks (ERAI vs WCI) was approximately $900/FEU in favour of rail services. Moreover, rail continues to offer travel times several times shorter than ocean shipping.
Figures for July 2026 ($/FEU)
| Index | Value | MoM change | YoY change |
| ERAI Composite | 3 903 | +5,4% | +18,3% |
| ERAI West (China – Europe) | 4 084 | +7,1% | +21,1% |
| ERAI East (China – Europe) | 2 609 | +0,2% | +0,1% |
ERAI index, 2025–2026 ($/FEU)
Rail vs Ocean
In August, ERAI values remain broadly in line with July levels. There is also rates stabilization in the ocean freight market.
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
