The Baltic Sea index rebounded as all ship sizes rose

The latest data show that on August 22, 2025, the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) reported 1944 points, a three-day high, up 2.69% from the previous value, and the largest increase since August 6, 2025. According to the comprehensive short-term table, the latest 11 BDI data growth is: positive growth 5 times, negative growth 6 times, and zero growth 0 times. Among them, the Panamax Freight Index (BPI) reported 1770 points, up 2.97% from the previous value, the Cape Freight Index (BCI) reported 2793 points, up 3.33%, and the BSI reported 1424 points, up 1.35%. The latest 720-day chart and ten-year chart of the Baltic Dry Index + three major sub-items are detailed in the latest information special chart.

The Baltic Exchange's main shipping index, which monitors rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Friday, ending a four-day losing streak, driven by gains across all shipping sectors.

The main index tracking rates for Capesize, Panamax and Handysize ships rose 51 points, or 2.7 percent, to 1,944 after touching a more than month low in the previous session. However, the contract fell nearly 5 percent this week.

The Capesize freight index rose 90 points, or 3.3%, to 2,793, but has fallen 15% this week.

Capesize vessels, which typically transport 150,000 tons of cargo such as iron ore and coal, saw their average daily earnings increase by $742 to $23,160.

Iron ore futures fell for a second straight week as Chinese steel production rose in spite of sluggish demand, putting pressure on steel margins and iron ore input costs.

World Steel Association data showed that global crude steel production in July fell 1.3% from the same period last year to 150.10 million tons, with China, the largest producer, falling 4% to 79.70 million tons in July.

Meanwhile, the Panamax index rose 51 points, or about 3 percent, to 1,770, reaching its highest level since July 28. The contract is up more than 9 percent this week.

Panamax ships, which typically carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, saw average daily earnings rise by $463 to $15,932.

Among smaller vessels, the Handyship Index rose 19 points, or 1.4 percent, to 1,424, climbing to a May 2024 high. The contract rose 5.2 percent this week.