The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) edged down 0.2% to 3,083 on Monday, August 11, 2026, pulling back from a nine-week high reached in the previous session on Friday.

The BDI, compiled by the Baltic Exchange in London, is a composite measure of global shipping rates for the transportation of dry bulk commodities across more than 20 key maritime routes. It is widely regarded as a leading indicator of global trade and economic activity, reflecting demand for raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and grain. Because the index is driven by actual vessel charter rates rather than speculative trading, it is often monitored alongside commodity import data and industrial output figures as a gauge of physical goods movement.

The capesize index, which tracks vessels typically transporting 150,000-ton cargoes including iron ore and coal, fell 0.5% to 5,105. Capesize vessels are among the largest dry bulk carriers and are heavily influenced by demand from industrial sectors, particularly steel production, with China being the world's largest importer of iron ore.

Conversely, the panamax index, which covers ships usually carrying 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, rose 0.4% to 2,306, marking its highest level since June 2. Panamax vessels are commonly deployed on long-haul routes connecting major grain and coal export hubs. The divergence between rising panamax rates and easing capesize rates points to segment-specific demand drivers rather than a uniform shift across all dry bulk commodities.

Meanwhile, the supramax index was little changed at 1,603. Supramax vessels are smaller than capesize and panamax ships and transport a diverse range of dry bulk goods, including construction materials, fertilizers, and agricultural products.

Source: Trading Economics