The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) rose 0.7% to 2,743 on Friday, July 25, 2026, reaching its highest level since July 17. The BDI, compiled daily by the Baltic Exchange in London, measures the cost of transporting major dry bulk commodities—such as iron ore, coal, and grain—across key global shipping routes and is widely regarded as a barometer of global trade activity in raw materials.

Because the index reflects spot freight rates rather than cargo prices, moves in the BDI can highlight changes in shipping demand, vessel availability, or route-specific conditions across the dry bulk market. Its component indexes can also diverge when demand differs by vessel size or commodity trade lane.

The capesize segment led the gains. The capesize index climbed 2.1% to 4,285, marking its highest reading since July 16. Capesize vessels are the largest dry bulk ships in operation, typically carrying cargoes of approximately 150,000 tons, including iron ore and coal, and primarily serving long-haul routes connecting major commodity exporters with importing nations.

In contrast, the panamax index declined 2% to 2,024, falling to its lowest level in nearly three months. Panamax vessels, named for their ability to transit the original Panama Canal locks, generally carry shipments of 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain.

The supramax index also moved lower, edging down 0.5% to 1,694, its lowest point since July 9. Supramax vessels are mid-sized dry bulk carriers typically used for a diverse range of commodities.

The mixed performance across vessel classes left the overall index higher on the day but still slightly lower over the full week. For the week as a whole, the overall Baltic Dry Index posted a modest decline of 0.3%.

Source: Trading Economics