China’s power generation continued to expand through 2025, repeatedly setting new seasonal records.
Strong arrivals, soft demand: China’s iron ore paradox in 2025
In Nov’25, China’s iron ore imports rose +8.5% YoY to 110.5Mt, marking a third straight month at seasonal record levels and…
China iron ore inventories at ports are building up
Last week, iron ore inventories at Chinese ports held at 139.6Mt, up +4.7% MoM but still -7.4% YoY, leaving room for a further 10–25Mt of restocking before returning to past highs.
China steel output hits multi-year lows in Oct’25
China’s crude steel output slipped to 72 Mt in Oct’25, one of its weakest readings since 2021 and…
From Capesize to Panamax: changing patterns in coal trade flows
In Jan–Oct’25, global coal ton-miles fell -9% YoY to 5.4 trillion, with Capesize market share dropping to a record low of 26% (-5% YoY), while Panamax…
China’s soybean commitments add pressure to US export capacity
Following the US–China Presidential meeting on 30-Oct, the White House announced that …
Brazil iron ore loadings recover to 5-year seasonal high last week
Brazil’s iron ore loadings rebounded strongly since mid-Sep’25…
Iron ore volumes poised to lead global dry bulk growth
Iron ore is expected to regain its lead in global seaborne trade from 2026, following a short-lived surge in bauxite exports.
Tracking India’s rising role in the global iron ore market from a low base
India’s iron ore imports are shifting gear in 2025.
Ten years a researcher
A decade after joining IG, Jake Seed reflects on his journey from graduate to Senior Research Analyst. He shares how curiosity, data, and teamwork have shaped his career in tanker research.
Sharp relocation of Chinese exports from the US to Asian & Africa in Sep’25
China’s exports rose +8.3% YoY in Sep’25, the fastest pace in six months.
US grain trade at a crossroads – soybeans sink, corn climbs
US soybean exports have entered uncharted waters — with no new sales to China recorded so far and little progress expected before 31 October 2025, when the U.S. and Chinese presidents are set to meet in South Korea.
Flat rate 2026 predictions
Flat rates for 2026 are expected to fall by around 7–9% on most routes due to lower bunker prices, while the new Mediterranean ECA will drive increases of about 5% for voyages fully within the zone.
India steel production touched 5-year high
In Aug’25, India produced 14.1 Mt of crude steel, up +15 % YoY, maintaining its position as the world’s #2 producer behind China.
Record coal exports from Indonesia after disruptive anti-seasonal rainfall
Indonesia’s coal loadings rebounded +17% WoW to a record 14.4Mt/wk, despite only a marginal easing in congestion for Panamax & Supramax vessels.
Iron ore shipments rebound as Australia and Brazil drive supply strength
Global iron ore shipments reached 39.3Mt/wk last week, the second strongest week in 2025.
Bulk carrier deliveries heading for decade highs in 2026
The global bulk carrier fleet is set for a wave of ~700 new vessel deliveries in 2026 – the strongest year since the 2010–2013 peak.
Guinea bauxite shipments continue playing catch-up in Aug’25
Guinea’s bauxite loadings have been in catch-up mode since mid-Jul’25, when heavy rainfall, flooding, mining disruptions and port congestion weighed on volumes.
Indonesian coal exports back to seasonal record post-heatwaves in China!
For the first time in 2025, Indonesian weekly coal exports rose YoY for two consecutive weeks, driven by Chinese utilities restocking after July–early Aug heatwaves forced urgent buying.
At over 10Mt/week, iron ore exports from Brazil reached a new record!
Through Aug’25, Brazilian iron ore exports climbed from 7.2Mt/wk to a record 10.6Mt/wk last week — the strongest since the 2019 Brumadinho disaster.