Americas Report 29 October 2026

West Coast South America (WCSA) dry cargo rates exhibited a marked shift as fixture activity slowed compared to previous weeks, driven by insufficient demand despite a tight tonnage list. Owners initially maintained firm rates but later adopted more flexible pricing strategies with discounts to ensure employment for vessels. Meanwhile, strong demand in the East Coast South America (ECSA) region effectively absorbed surplus tonnage, prompting owners to look towards ECSA for further support. Notably, North Pacific rates pulled vessels away from WCSA despite a general easing in activity after a peak period in the prior week.