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
1. The composite ERAI index averaged 3,697 $/FEU in May 2026, up 1.5% from the previous month. The increase was driven by a shift in the cargo flow structure: a higher share of westbound rail shipments (ERAI West: China — Europe), which traditionally command a higher rate than eastbound traffic, pushed the weighted average upward.
2. Sub-index dynamics remained stable in May. ERAI West held at 3,813 $/FEU, while ERAI East edged down 0.2% to 2,603 $/FEU. Stability was supported by the absence of significant disruptions across the 1520 mm gauge rail network.
3. Meanwhile, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) for the Shanghai—Rotterdam route rose 19% in May 2026, from 2,225 to 2,653 $/FEU, reflecting seasonal strength in maritime activity. The spread between rail and ocean freight rate benchmarks (ERAI vs WCI) narrowed to approximately 1,000 $/FEU in favour of ocean freight. However, rail continues to offer a substantial time advantage over maritime shipping
Figures for May 2026 ($/FEU)
| Index | Value | MoM change | YoY change |
| ERAI Composite | 3 697 | +1,5% | +13,0% |
| ERAI West (China – Europe) | 3 813 | 0,0% | +13,1% |
| ERAI East (China – Europe) | 2 603 | –0,2% | +0,1% |
ERAI index, 2025–2026 ($/FEU)
Rail vs Ocean
In June, ERAI values are hovering around May levels. The ocean freight market, by contrast, has seen significant rate increases. As of mid-June, the WCI Shanghai—Rotterdam surpassed the ERAI West level.
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
