MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – May 20, 2026

May 20, 2026

Market Overview: 

Supramax and Handysize markets led the narrative today, both showing continued fragility with only pockets of regional support. Supramax conditions remained uneven, as persistent weakness in the South Atlantic and a lack of fresh enquiry kept downward pressure firmly in place, while Asia also struggled under limited cargo visibility and a growing tonnage list, forcing owners to temper expectations despite isolated fixtures still being concluded around the low-to-mid $20,000s for regional business. The Continent-Mediterranean offered a rare bright spot, with improving enquiry lending slight upward pressure, though tangible fixing evidence remained scarce. Period activity provided some underlying confidence, with several Ultramax deals reported in the $20,000-$22,000 range, suggesting charterers are still willing to commit on forward exposure even as spot sentiment softens. Handysize markets followed a similarly subdued trajectory, with the Atlantic basin continuing to ease as both the US Gulf and South Atlantic saw bid/offer levels gradually adjust downward amid limited activity. In contrast, Asia remained relatively stable, supported by tighter prompt tonnage and a consistent flow of cargoes, allowing rates to hold firmer compared to the Atlantic; however, overall sentiment remained cautious, reflected in the modest decline in the BHSI and continued lack of momentum across most regions.

Panamax markets extended their losses, with the BPI falling to $21,367 as oversupply of tonnage and weak Pacific demand outweighed steady North Coast South America activity, while Capesize saw mixed conditions with Pacific strength driven by active miners offset by a sharply weaker North Atlantic, leaving the index lower at $44,263.

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