Affinity Dry Cargo Weekly 09 October 2026

The dry bulk market displayed mixed dynamics across segments in the week ending 9 October 2026, with Capesize rates declining amid sufficient vessel supply, particularly in the Atlantic. The BCI 5TC average decreased by USD 6,368 to USD 39,363 per day, reflecting weakened demand with C3 rates falling to USD 33.725 per T. Conversely, the Panamax market improved with the P5TC averaging USD 21,688, buoyed by robust Australian and trans-Atlantic cargo demand driving vessel earnings upward by USD 464 to USD 21,813. Supramax experienced modest gains as the 11TC rose to USD 22,929, primarily supported by healthy NoPac shipments, while Handysize rates faced challenges, ultimately dipping to USD 17,926 per day as demand varied regionally. Despite record iron ore imports in China, the overall steel sector remains hamstrung by weak property activity and declining profitability, signaling potential fragility in dry bulk trade volumes moving forward.