The Baltic Dry Index closed at 2,641 on Friday, May 9, 2026, as the Panamax segment showed the week's most notable recovery, with the Baltic Panamax Index (BPI) climbing to 1,971 from 1,842 the prior week.
US Department of Agriculture export inspection data showed a meaningful pickup in wheat loadings at Gulf ports during the week ending May 8, while South American soymeal shipments from Argentina supported Atlantic Panamax demand on South America to Far East routes.
The Capesize index (BCI) held at 4,401, supported by steady iron ore demand on the Brazil-China corridor, although market participants noted some resistance to fresh fixing above $25,000/day on the C3 route.
Analysts caution that near-term Panamax upside is capped by a well-supplied vessel list in the Pacific basin, where coal demand from South and Southeast Asia has moderated from the elevated levels seen in Q1 2026.
The Supramax index (BSI) eased 0.9% to 1,443 on slightly softer Indian Ocean inquiry, while the Handysize index (BHSI) was broadly flat at 774.
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Source: Baltic Exchange · 9 May 2026 · Data indicative only, not financial advice.