MID-SHIP Fertilizer – August 19, 2026

August 19, 2026

General Market Overview: 

The Handysize market remained mixed but edged slightly higher, with the 7TC average gaining $65 to $15,670. The Continent and Mediterranean were largely unchanged, while the South Atlantic remained well balanced as improving cargo flows and limited prompt tonnage provided support. Conversely, the US Gulf continued to soften amid insufficient demand and a growing tonnage list, while the Pacific remained largely positional despite pockets of activity. The Supramax market also posted a modest gain, with the 11TC average rising $47 to $20,698. Atlantic activity remained limited, and rates generally softened outside the South Atlantic, which continues to outperform. Sentiment in Asia remained cautiously positive, with slow but steady gains, while the Indian Ocean showed signs of improvement as firmer numbers emerged from South Africa.

The Panamax market remained under pressure overall, although there were tentative signs that the Atlantic may be approaching a floor as trans-Atlantic demand improves and fronthaul enquiry increases. Ample tonnage availability continues to limit upside, however, while the Pacific remains softer with prompt vessel supply exceeding demand, and recent NoPac and Australian business concluding below previous levels. The P5TC declined another $174 to $18,790. The Capesize market showed a modest improvement, with the BCI 5TC gaining $486 to $40,170, led by firmer Pacific sentiment. The C5 strengthened $0.53 to $13.815 as the market showed signs of finding a floor, although activity from the major miners remained limited. The Atlantic was comparatively subdued, with thin Brazil and West Africa activity and the C3 easing marginally to $35.605, leaving the overall Cape picture firmer in the Pacific but largely steady in the Atlantic.

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