Small Handy
The mini-bulk market remains relatively firm, supported by steady demand for intra-Asia fertiliser and steel movements. Freight levels for short-haul steel cargoes, particularly from Vietnam to Malaysia, are holding at the higher end, with owners indicating levels in the low-40s pmt amid tight prompt tonnage. Fertiliser demand continues to underpin the market, with North China to Malaysia routes achieving high-20s to low-mid 30s pmt, while longer runs into the Philippines are concluded around $30 pmt. In Northeast Asia, wood pellet demand remains resilient, with fixtures close to $30 pmt. However, backhaul cargoes such as wood pulp into North Vietnam are softer at around $20 pmt, indicating some imbalance. Overall, the market tone is stable to firm.
Handysize
The Handysize market remained subdued, with limited fresh activity reported. The BHSI closed at 695, while the 7TC average edged down by $24 to $12,508.In the Continent and Mediterranean, activity was muted due to a lack of fresh enquiries, keeping rates largely stable. The South Atlantic showed slight improvement with increased activity supporting firmer levels. In contrast, the US Gulf softened further as weak demand allowed charterers to push rates lower. Asian markets remained balanced, with rates broadly unchanged. A 32,000 DWT vessel in the Pacific was fixed around $7,000–8,000 per day.
Supramax
The Atlantic Supramax/Ultramax market remained largely flat, with limited fresh cargo from South America and West Africa. Ultramax vessels ex-Houston were discussed around $24,000 per day for grain to West Africa, while a 58,000 DWT vessel from North Brazil fixed at $14,500 plus ballast bonus for a trip to China. In the Pacific, sentiment softened slightly due to reduced cargo from Australia and weaker Indonesian coal demand. Ultramax rates in the region were discussed around $15,500–16,000 per day for grain rounds, while backhaul steel cargoes remained firm at high-teen levels. In the Indian Ocean, geopolitical tensions around the Persian Gulf and Hormuz Strait disrupted normal trading. Several vessels were delayed awaiting safe passage, while fixtures such as Fujairah to India were reported around $20,000 per day. Demand from South Africa continued to provide support, with fixtures around $18,500 plus ballast bonus for trips to China.
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