Freight Rates

Dry bulk carrier demand and sales activity have surged in the first seven months of 2026, with 496 vessels transacted.

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk freight index increased for the third consecutive day, reaching its highest level since August 12.

The Platts Container Index (PCI) reached $7,565/FEU on August 21, its highest level for 2026, driven by route volatility

The Ningbo Containerized Freight Index (NCFI) has been published for the week ending August 21, 2026

Vietnamese seaport operators saw substantial profit increases in H1 2026 due to rising trade volumes and efficiency gains

China's summer grain purchases have peaked, with over 90 million metric tons of wheat bought by market operators.

Morocco will resume soft wheat imports with subsidies from September 16 to December 31, after a domestic harvest focus

Diana Shipping Inc. has extended a time charter contract with Cargill International SA for its Panamax dry bulk vessel, m/v Leto.

SOHAR Port and Freezone saw a 52% cargo throughput increase in H1, driven by higher transshipment and breakbulk growth

The Baltic Dry Index saw a 41-point increase, reaching 2,882, indicating shifts in dry bulk shipping costs.

LNG shipping rates continued to fall across all major routes, with the Atlantic market particularly affected by vessel oversupply.

Australian Aframax tanker trade declined in early 2026, with port costs increasing across major ports

Coal prices have risen to a three-week high, exceeding $131 per ton, due to strong Asian energy demand and supply risks

India's goal to boost steelmaking capacity by 2030 highlights challenges in domestic iron ore supply and quality.

CMA CGM will apply a $2,000 Peak Season Surcharge for long-term dry container contracts to South America.

Venezuela's rising oil exports and changing destinations are reshaping tanker demand as Middle East disruption continues

International traders are adopting innovative logistical strategies to bypass mounting bottlenecks and record-breaking transit costs at…

Container shipping rates from Asia to the US recently increased, while tanker rates softened, and Panama Canal transits will be limited.

Attacks on Russian and Ukrainian port infrastructure are causing grain price hikes and global food supply concerns

The Capesize dry bulk market saw mixed but resilient performance, with the Pacific as the main source of activity

VLCC ton-mile demand is forecast to fall by 2026, with smaller tanker classes increasing their market share due to shifting trade patterns.

Bangladesh faces high LNG spot prices and limited options due to geopolitical tensions and reduced traditional supplies

Ukraine's proposal for a Black Sea shipping truce for agricultural exports was reportedly rejected by Russia

The Baltic Dry Index saw a 1.8% increase on Friday, yet still recorded a weekly loss due to earlier declines

The crude tanker market shows a divergence, with VLCCs struggling while Suezmax and Aframax segments perform better.

VLCC tanker rates rose sharply this week due to deferred West Africa cargoes and strong demand from Brazil and the US Gulf

The New ConTex index for container ship time charter rates rose by 0.4% last week, signaling continued market strength.

Xeneta's update reveals cost benefits for shippers moving container imports from the US East Coast to the US West Coast.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz expose the fragility of global trade routes, causing shipping declines and rising costs.

The Baltic Dry Index rebounded by 0.5% to 2,791 points, driven by capesize and supramax segment gains.