Baltic index falls to more than seven-week low on capesize demand
The Baltic Exchange’s main index fell 2.23% as demand for capesize vessels weakened. It reached its lowest level since August 21.
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what happened
Reuters reports that the Baltic Exchange’s main sea-freight index dropped 65 points, or 2.23%, to 2,852 on Monday. The gauge, which covers rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, reached its lowest point since August 21.
The capesize index (.BACI) declined 192 points, or 4.42%, to 4,148, its weakest level since late July. Average daily earnings for capesize ships (.BATCA), which generally carry 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, decreased by $1,745 to $34,115.
Iron ore prices moved unevenly during the session. Expectations that Chinese steelmakers would replenish inventories after a week-long holiday were offset by the prospect of higher supply. The panamax index (.BPNI) rose 8 points, or 0.33%, to 2,432, while average daily earnings (.BPWT) increased $75 to $21,888. The supramax index (.BSIS) added 7 points, or 0.39%, to 1,821.
why it matters
The decline in the main gauge points to weaker demand for larger vessels, while panamax and supramax rates advanced. Freight-market moves remain linked to shipments of iron ore, coal and grain.
instruments
sources
- Baltic index hits over seven week low on weaker capesize demand — Reuters, 12 October 2026 at 13:10 UTC
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