MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Market Overview: 

The dry bulk market presented a mixed picture midweek, with Panamax and minor bulk segments under pressure while Capesizes showed tentative improvement. Panamax activity softened across both basins as charterers relied on in house tonnage and fresh inquiry thinned, particularly in the Atlantic. Pacific sentiment remained cautious with limited new business, although North Pacific trading held steady, and Australia/India saw marginally better inquiry without rate support. The Baltic Panamax Index fell sharply to 1,796. Supramax and Handysize markets also experienced subdued conditions, weighed down by long tonnage lists and limited demand, with both indices edging lower amid continued sensitivity to bunker availability and pricing.

By contrast, the Capesize sector edged firmer overall despite ongoing softness in parts of the Pacific. Atlantic iron ore routes provided support, with the key Brazil–China trade fixing around the low $30s per tonne and the Baltic Capesize Index rising to 2,915. However, Pacific rates eased slightly as the West Australia–China business slipped to the mid $10s per tonne amid growing tonnage availability and limited miner participation. While Capesizes are showing early signs of stabilization, the broader market tone remains cautious, with most segments still searching for clearer demand signals before any sustained recovery can take hold.

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