Trade and freight markets

This chapter describes conditions and trends in trade and freight markets, covering the major liner and bulk cargo sectors; it gives liner freight rates as a percentage of selected commodity prices, and it estimates freight payments as a percentage of import value. Although 2006 was a good year for all tanker market segments, these remained below the impressive levels recorded during the two previous years. Fuelled mainly by buoyant steel production in Asia, the dry cargo freight market fared better, with steady improvements in the Cape-size sector and continued strong performances in the Panamax and Handy-size sectors. Despite the downward pressure on the containership market resulting from a large tonnage delivery and order book, the continuing strong demand helped maintain the rates at healthy levels.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure