Dry Bulk Freight Rates Jump as Capesize Earnings Rise 81% in Jan-Jul 2026

1 articles · Updated · SAFETY4SEA · Aug 11

Capesize time-charter earnings averaged about $30,400 a day in January-July, up from $16,800 a year earlier, as all four major dry bulk vessel classes posted year-on-year gains.
Xclusiv linked the stronger market to broader cargo growth, better fleet utilization and firmer demand across major and minor bulk trades, with rates accelerating in April and May before staying elevated into July.
3.41 billion tonnes of seaborne dry bulk cargo moved in the first seven months of 2026, up nearly 2%, while Capesize-carried volumes climbed 4.8% to 936.7 million tonnes and lifted that segment's share of total trade.
Iron ore rose 1.5% to 992.2 million tonnes, coal gained 2.1% to 788.9 million, and grain jumped 10.4% to 358.9 million tonnes, showing core commodities drove most of the expansion.
China imported 1.36 billion tonnes—almost 40% of global dry bulk volumes—while stronger exports from Australia, Brazil and Guinea supported longer-haul voyages that helped sustain the freight recovery.