MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – January 13, 2026

January 13, 2026

Market Overview: 

The dry bulk market saw another muted week, with sentiment soft across all segments.

Handysize: The BHSI fell 6 points to 593, and the 7TC average slipped to $10,675. The Continent and Mediterranean remained positional, with rates below prior levels; Captain D fixed Barcelona – Constanza at $9,000. South Atlantic fundamentals stabilized, while U.S. Gulf activity was minimal amid oversupply, with Ultra Tatio fixed SW Pass – NCSA at $14,500 and a Clipper-owned handy Houston – ARAG at $15,000. Asia stayed quiet with limited cargo, and period interest included Orient Prestige fixed for 3 – 6 months at 92% of BHSI.

Supramax: The market was slow, with widening gaps between owners and charterers in the Atlantic and abundant prompt tonnage in Asia keeping rates flat. The 11TC average closed down $96 at $12,038.

Panamax: Atlantic activity improved slightly, but oversupply kept sentiment weak; Asia was steady, but rates softened. W-Star fixed 9/13 months worldwide at $13,250. The P5TC average fell $80 to $11,978.

Capesize: Rates continued to decline, with the 5TC at $22,180 and C5 at $7.50, reflecting persistent bearish sentiment.

The US has launched an industrial tactic to save its last domestic alumina refinery while building out critical gallium capacity, conclusively deemed a dual move with strategic importance of both feedstock and advanced materials for defence, aerospace and high-tech sectors. Washington has committed USD 450 million in public and private funding to revive the Atlantic Alumina Company’s (ATALCO’s) Gramercy, Louisiana facility, securing alumina production and adding what could become America’s first large-scale gallium production circuit.

 

---

Subscribe below to receive the full report.

---