The latest data shows that the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) reached 2991 points on May 6, 2026, a new high since December 5, 2023, up 5.61% month-on-month, the largest increase since February 12, 2026, and marking the fourth consecutive day of increase (including zero growth). Looking at the short-term charts, the recent 11 BDI data points show: 8 positive increases, 3 negative increases, and 0 zero increases. Specifically, the Panamax Freight Index (BPI) reached 2135 points, up 3.94% from the previous value; the Capesize Freight Index (BCI) reached 5074 points, up 7.89%; and the Supramax Freight Index (BSI) reached 1514 points, up 0.40%. For detailed 720-day and 10-year trend charts of the Baltic Dry Index and its three main sub-indices, please refer to the specially designed charts.



On Wednesday, May 6, local time, the Baltic Dry Index, a key indicator of the global dry bulk shipping market, surged to its highest level in more than two years, with freight rates for all major vessel types rising in tandem, indicating a significant recovery in market sentiment.

As a core indicator for measuring the shipping costs of key dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal, and grain, the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) surged 159 points, or 5.6%, to close at 2,991 points, reaching its highest level since early December 2023. This signifies that the dry bulk shipping market has entered a new round of strong upward cycle.

Among the various vessel sub-types, Capesize vessels performed the best. The Capesize index surged 371 points in a single day, a 7.9% increase, closing at 5074 points, a new high in nearly five months. This type of vessel mainly carries industrial bulk raw materials such as iron ore and coal in the 150,000-ton range, and its average daily profit also increased significantly by US$3,368 to US$42,514, resulting in a significant improvement in shipowners' returns.

In its latest weekly report, shipping consultancy Intermodal analysts commented that the Capesize sector performed well overall this week. Although there were differences in performance across different shipping regions globally, the continued tightness of effective capacity and the steady strengthening of demand for commodity transportation jointly supported the continued rise in freight rates.

The Panamax market also maintained a steady upward trend. The Panamax index rose 81 points, or 3.9%, to close at 2135 points. These vessels typically carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal, grain, and other consumer goods and industrial raw materials. Their average daily profit increased by $726 to $19,216, with revenue from small and medium-sized bulk cargo shipping also recovering.

The small vessel sector also saw a modest increase. The Supramax index rose slightly by 6 points, or 0.4%, to close at 1514 points, with freight rates for bulk carriers of all tonnages showing a comprehensive upward trend, further confirming the overall market recovery momentum.

Geopolitically, the situation in the Middle East continues to affect global shipping. Iran has stated it is reviewing a new initiative proposed by the United States, following reports that the two sides were close to reaching an agreement on a brief memorandum aimed at easing tensions with Israel. The US military previously stated that it had destroyed several small Iranian vessels to assist stranded ships in passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and regional shipping security risks remain a focus of close market attention.

The significant rise in the index, coupled with the simultaneous strengthening of freight rates across all ship types, reflects the recovery in global dry bulk trade demand and the continued optimization of the supply and demand pattern of shipping capacity. This provides strong support for the recovery of profitability in the shipping industry and is also an important signal of increased activity in global commodity trade.