Iron ore freights ease as fixtures conclude at lower levels

Iron ore freights declined w-o-w as of 6 Jan’26, with rates softening across major Pacific and Atlantic routes. Lower fixtures and subdued post-holiday fixing activity kept sentiment neutral and the market volatile.

• Paradip-Qingdao: Rates were stable at $9.60/dmt w-o-w
• Hedland-Qingdao: Freights were at $8.28/dmt (-$0.52/dmt)
• Tubarao-Qingdao: Rates were assessed at $21.97/dmt (-$1.23/dmt)
• Saldanha Bay-Qingdao: Freights stood at $16.40/dmt (-$0.69/dmt)