Baltic Dry Index Falls to Near 1-Week Low

2026-03-05 15:17 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk index, which tracks rates for vessels transporting dry commodities, retreated for a second session on Thursday, dropping about 4.3% to its lowest since February 27 at 2,138 points.

The larger vessel segments were hit by reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis.

"Although this passage is less critical for the dry bulk than for the tanker market, the disruptions still impact around 4% of the dry bulk cargo volumes and tonne mile demand," said Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.

The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, slipped 7.8% to a three-week low of 2,951 points; and the panamax index, which usually carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, fell 0.8% to 1,997 points.

On the other hand, the supramax index remained steady at 1,392 points.



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Baltic Dry Index Falls to Near 1-Week Low
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk index, which tracks rates for vessels transporting dry commodities, retreated for a second session on Thursday, dropping about 4.3% to its lowest since February 27 at 2,138 points. The larger vessel segments were hit by reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis. "Although this passage is less critical for the dry bulk than for the tanker market, the disruptions still impact around 4% of the dry bulk cargo volumes and tonne mile demand," said Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, slipped 7.8% to a three-week low of 2,951 points; and the panamax index, which usually carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, fell 0.8% to 1,997 points. On the other hand, the supramax index remained steady at 1,392 points.
2026-03-05
Baltic Dry Index Up for 3rd Day
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk index, which tracks rates for vessels transporting dry commodities, advanced for a third session on Tuesday, rising 2.5% to its highest level since December 11 at 2,242 points, propelled by higher rates across segments. The increase follows disruptions from the escalating Iran conflict, which has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and forced vessels onto longer routes. Freight costs have surged as carriers adjust, while insurers pull coverage, further pressuring global shipping. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, surged 3.6% to a one-month high of 3,245 points; and the panamax index, which usually carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, increased 1.2% to a peak since September last year at 2,002 points. Among smaller vessels, the supramax index rose 1.6% to 1,383 points.
2026-03-03
Baltic Dry Index Climbs to Over 2-Month High
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk index, which tracks rates for vessels transporting dry commodities, advanced for a second session on Monday, rising 2.2% to its highest since December 16 at 2,187 points. All vessel segments saw increases, with investors anticipating higher freight rates due to the Iran conflict and reduced shipments from major exporters. Container shipping giants have withdrawn from the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and opted for the long route around Africa’s southern tip, following US and Israel strikes on Iran over the weekend. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, climbed 2.5% to 3,133 points; and the panamax index, which usually carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, rose 1.9% to 1,979 points. Among smaller vessels, the supramax index increased by 1.7% to 1,361 points.
2026-03-02