China Dry Cargo Signals: March 2026

The Affinity China Dry Index value for January 2026 was 111, suggesting that the Chinese dry bulk market was 11 per cent better off than it was in January 2022. This also represented a 5 per cent decline from the previous month’s level, although it followed seasonal trends. Imports and exports fell as the Chinese New Year left market participants out of the market. Meanwhile, rising steel production, improving consumer confidence, and falling coal stocks supported the index. Declining manufacturing PMI and rising iron ore inventories had a negative impact on the index. However, January’s value was above last year’s level and above the three-year average.