Weekly Cape Traffic Tracker
Singapore tonnage drops to a 3-month low but rebound in Capesize traffic expected
Capesize tonnage passing through Singapore dropped sharply last week to its lowest level in over three months, falling below both the prior week and the year-to-date average. Looking ahead, a sharp rebound in passing tonnage is likely. Based on current vessel movements, tonnage supply through Singapore is expected to rise meaningfully this week, led by a recovery in Standard Capesize/Newcastlemax volumes. From a broader perspective, the 3-week rolling average is currently tracking 11% higher year-on-year, with dedicated VLOCs down YoY while Standard Capesize/Newcastlemax volumes remain up YoY.
Australian Coal Exports Slide as Weather Disruptions and Maintenance Weigh on Volumes
Steam and coking coal volumes fall amid widespread East Coast weather and terminal works
Australian coal exports fell last week, retreating into the four-year range, with both steam and coking coal shipments declining. The drop was led by weaker steam coal loadings out of Abbot Point, Brisbane, and Gladstone, while coking coal volumes also slipped, mainly from Gladstone. This pullback came amid maintenance at several coal-loading terminals, compounded by widespread weather challenges.
Australian Iron Ore Exports Rise as Pilbara Volumes Rebound
Improved conditions support stronger shipments ahead of fiscal-year-end maintenance
Australian iron ore exports climbed last week, supported by stronger shipments out of Dampier and Port Hedland – Stanley Point, while weather conditions across the Pilbara improved. Looking ahead, maintenance has been scheduled across multiple iron ore terminals as the major miners close out their fiscal year. Although fair weather is expected across the Pilbara, a seasonal fall in export volumes is likely to begin.
Brazil Iron Ore: Weekly Pulse
Exports ease after strong run; June ends higher with rising rollover tonnage into July
Brazilian iron ore exports eased last week, slipping slightly after a strong run — with both Vale and the junior miners recording lower volumes. Vale’s exports declined week-on-week, weighed down by softer loadings from PDM, Tubarão, and CPBS. Junior miners also posted a week-on-week decline, with CSN, Sudeste, and Ponta Ubu all trending lower. Despite the weekly dip, June exports remained ahead of both May volumes and the same period in 2024. Heading into July, rollover vessel supply reached 5.6 million DWT — higher than the 4.2 million DWT carried over from May into June — signaling mounting port-side congestion ahead.