Americas Report 22 October 2026

West Coast South America (WCSA) dry cargo rates remained firm despite diminished activity due to the LME conference in London, with Handysize rates up 1.5 per cent week-on-week to a high of USD 17,000 per day. Tonnage availability tightened further as demand from NOPAC and ECSA contributed to increased pressure on rates, reinforcing the potential for further market strengthening if demand continues. Current time-charter assessments indicate significant year-on-year growth, with Supramax and Handysize rates showing increases of up to 44 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively, in various key routes. Port congestion has also been a factor, with vessels waiting longer at principal South American load ports, adding additional strain on supply chains.