Commodity & Freight Index

(Dry Bulk • Coal • Nickel • Freight Benchmarks)

The SMARTIN Commodity & Freight Index provides a consolidated weekly snapshot of key commodity movements and freight benchmarks across major dry bulk segments. This index supports chartering, trading, procurement, and operational planning across SMARTIN’s global network.

📌 1. Coal Index

Indonesia (GAR 3800–5000)

• FOB values stable; slight upward pressure from Indian demand.
• Weather disruptions continue to influence loading schedules.
• China maintains steady appetite for mid‑CV cargoes.

Australia (NAR 5500–6000)

• Premium coal demand remains strong from Northeast Asia.
• Supply normalization continues but freight premiums remain elevated.

China Domestic Market

• Domestic production stable; imports remain competitive.
• Power sector consumption steady with seasonal temperature changes.

📌 2. Nickel & Ferroalloy Index

Nickel Ore (Philippines)

• Shipments stable; moderate weather delays.
• Chinese NPI producers maintaining consistent demand.

Ferroalloys

• FeNi prices stable; stainless steel production outlook neutral.
• Indonesia smelters operating normally with steady export flow.

📌 3. Dry Bulk Freight Index

Supramax / Ultramax (Pacific)

• Rates stable; balanced supply/demand.
• Indonesia coal stems dominate fixtures to India, China, Vietnam.
• Owners show resistance on short trips due to bunker volatility.

Indian Ocean

• ECI iron ore flow steady; freight levels show mild upward pressure.
• WC India salt/clinker demand improving, tightening tonnage slightly.

Atlantic

• USG active with grains and petcoke; tonnage tightening.
• Med/Cont mixed — weather delays and congestion affecting schedules.

📌 4. Port & Weather Index

Indonesia

• Kalimantan: Intermittent rain causing minor delays.
• Sumatra: Stable operations with occasional swell conditions.

India

• East Coast: Congestion easing; weather stable.
• West Coast: Monsoon impact decreasing; operations improving.

China

• Southern ports: Typhoon season monitoring continues.
• Northern ports: Smooth operations; minimal disruptions.

📌 5. SMARTIN Forward Outlook

• Coal demand from India and China expected to remain firm.
• Freight market likely to stay steady with mild upward pressure.
• Nickel ore flow stable; no major supply shocks expected.
• Weather disruptions in Indonesia may continue to affect loading schedules.
• Port congestion expected to ease gradually across India and China.