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
- The composite ERAI index stood at $3704/FEU in June 2026, up 0.2% from the previous month. Rate stability was supported by the absence of significant disruptions across the 1520 mm gauge network.
- The sub-indices also remained broadly unchanged from May. ERAI West edged up to $3815/FEU, while ERAI East rose to $2604/FEU.
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Meanwhile, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) for the Shanghai-Rotterdam route rose by 57% in June 2026, from $2653 to $4154/FEU, reflecting a seasonal increase in ocean freight activity. In June, the spread between rail and ocean freight rate benchmarks (ERAI vs WCI) was approximately $450/FEU in favour of rail services. Moreover, rail continues to offer transit times several times shorter than ocean shipping.
Figures for June 2026 ($/FEU)
| Index | Value | MoM change | YoY change |
| ERAI Composite | 3 704 | +0,2% | +13,3% |
| ERAI West (China – Europe) | 3 815 | 0,0% | +13,1% |
| ERAI East (China – Europe) | 2 604 | 0,1% | +0,2% |
ERAI index, 2025–2026 ($/FEU)
Rail vs Ocean
In July, ERAI values remain broadly in line with June levels. The ocean freight market, by contrast, has seen a significant increase in rates: as of mid-July, the WCI Shanghai-Rotterdam exceeded ERAI West by more than $1000/FEU.
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
