Baltic dry index slips amid softer demand, rising tonnage

The Baltic dry bulk index decreased by 2.4% (50 points) d-o-d to 2,071 on 18 Dec. Panamax and Supramax rates fell sharply, driven by slower coal and grain cargo enquiries, easing seasonal demand, and increasing vessel availability, while Capesize losses were limited by relatively steadier iron ore fixing.

• Capesize: BCI declined by 0.5% (19 points) to 3,675.
• Panamax: BPI fell by 6.2% (91 points) to 1,389.
• Supramax: BSI dropped by 3.8% (50 points) to 1,258.