Americas Report 01 October 2026

West Coast South America (WCSA) dry cargo rates are showing signs of divergence, with Handysize levels increasing while the Supramax-Ultramax segment remains stable amid low copper production in Chile impacting cargo flows. NOPAC and ECSA continue to drive the market, supporting activity across both directions. However, if these regions weaken, broader WCSA rates could decline, underscoring the importance of local supply and demand dynamics. Port congestion remains evident, affecting turnaround times in key areas, further complicating market conditions amid a global context of fluctuating demand.