MID-SHIP Cement Report – August 12, 2026

August 12, 2026

Market Overview: 

Handysize / Supramax: Handysize markets remained largely positional, with the 7TC average easing $33 to $15,570. The Continent and Mediterranean continue to face pressure from limited cargo availability, while the US Gulf also remains subdued with minimal fixing activity. The South Atlantic was comparatively steady, and the Pacific remained quiet but balanced. Supramax conditions were somewhat firmer, with the 11TC average gaining $124 to $20,392. North America continues to support healthy Atlantic levels, while tightening tonnage and fresh West African enquiry have helped the South Atlantic improve modestly. In the Pacific, increased NoPac grain and backhaul activity is supporting rates in the north, contrasting with softer conditions across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean where available tonnage continues to weigh on freight.

Panamax / Capesize: Panamax sentiment weakened further in the Atlantic, particularly in the North Atlantic where a growing tonnage list and insufficient fixable cargo are forcing owners to lower expectations. Fronthaul has also come under pressure, with some cargoes being absorbed by Ultramax tonnage. The South Atlantic presents a more balanced picture, however, with tightening supply-demand fundamentals and increasing owner resistance for first-half September arrivals. Pacific conditions remain relatively balanced, with steady Australia, Indonesia and NoPac demand offset by adequate vessel availability; the P5TC declined $355 to $20,361. Capesize markets also moved lower, with the 5TC falling $2,212 to $40,528. Pacific weakness was most pronounced, as returning tonnage following recent weather disruptions pushed C5 down sharply to $13.585. By contrast, South Brazil and West Africa to China remained comparatively resilient, with C3 holding near $35.78, while the North Atlantic softened amid weaker transatlantic and fronthaul activity.

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