Shipping and Logistics

October 6, 2020
Iron Ore Demand Drives Capesize Rates Over $34,000 Per Day
Written by Sandy Williams
Dry bulk carriers followed a bit behind their container ship counterparts but are now rebounding in a colossal way. Dry bulk shipping jumped to a new high for the year on Monday with rates at $34,293 per day compared to under $5,000 per day through the first and second quarters. Rates were 127 percent higher compared to the previous month and 45 percent higher than a year ago.
The surge in rates for the Capesize vessels, which carry iron ore and coal, was driven by increased industrial demand, particularly in China. Iron ore shipments from Brazil jumped 18 percent in the last week, averaging 1.25 million metric tons per day. Australian ore producers reported a similar rebound in iron ore volumes. The Capesize Index as of Monday was at 4.135, a gain of 148 points and its highest posting since July 3.


