Skip to content

If you’re interested in the world of commodity trading, you might think that the price of goods like oil, grain, or metals is solely determined by supply and demand. While these factors are crucial, there is another significant player in the game: global shipping. Let’s dive into how the ebb and flow of maritime transport can cause ripples – or sometimes tsunamis – in commodity prices.

The Maritime Highway

First, it is important to understand that around 80% of global trade by volume is carried by sea. This “maritime highway” is the lifeline of global commerce, especially for bulk commodities like oil, coal, and grain. When this highway experiences bumps or detours, it can have a significant impact on the prices of the goods being transported.

Freight Rates: The Toll on the Maritime Highway

One of the most direct ways shipping affects commodity prices is through freight rates. These are the costs charged to transport goods by sea. In 2022, we saw a storm of events that sent these rates soaring:

  • COVID-19 Aftermath: The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, leading to port congestions and container shortages.
  • Surge in Demand: As economies reopened, there was a sudden spike in demand for goods.
  • Limited Supply: The shipping industry could not quickly increase its capacity to meet this demand.

The result? Freight rates skyrocketed. For instance, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index, which measures spot container freight rates from China, reached a high in January 2022 – five times higher than its pre-COVID level!

When freight rates increase, it often leads to higher prices for the transported commodities. Importers need to cover these additional costs, which they typically pass on to consumers.

The Ripple Effect of Route Changes

Sometimes, global events can force changes in shipping routes. The war in Ukraine led to significant shifts in oil and grain trade patterns:

  • Oil cargo had to travel longer distances as Russia sought new markets and Europe looked for alternative suppliers.
  • Grain shipments also traveled further, with countries buying from the U.S. or Brazil instead of Ukraine.


These longer routes mean higher transportation costs and potentially longer delivery times, both of which can drive up commodity prices.

The Speed Factor

Another interesting trend is how ship speeds can affect commodity prices. To meet new environmental regulations and reduce fuel costs, many ships are adopting slower speeds. While this is good for the environment, it can lead to longer transit times. For time-sensitive commodities, this could mean higher prices to compensate for the extended delivery period.

Port Congestion: The Traffic Jam of the Seas

Just like a traffic jam on a highway, congestion at ports can cause delays and increase costs. The UNCTAD 2023 report notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, waiting times for ships surged, especially in developed countries. These delays can lead to supply shortages and, consequently, price increases for affected commodities.

The Green Wave

As the shipping industry moves towards decarbonization, we are likely to see more changes that could impact commodity prices:

  • New Fuels: The shift to cleaner, potentially more expensive fuels could increase shipping costs.
  • Fleet Renewal: Investments in new, more efficient ships might lead to higher operational costs in the short term.
  • Green Corridors: The development of low-emission shipping routes could change traditional trade patterns.

These changes could lead to higher shipping costs in the short term, potentially impacting commodity prices. However, they are crucial for the long-term sustainability of global trade.

What This Means for the Commodity Trading Industry

Understanding these shipping trends provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the commodity trading industry:

  1. Freight Indices as Economic Indicators: Indices like the Baltic Dry Index are not just important for traders, but can serve as broader economic indicators. They offer insights into global trade volumes and can signal economic growth or contraction.
  2. Geopolitical Awareness: The industry must remain highly attuned to global events. As seen with the Ukraine war, geopolitical developments can swiftly reshape shipping routes and dramatically impact commodity prices. This requires constant vigilance and adaptability from industry players
  3. Environmental Considerations: The green transition in shipping is not just an industry concern but a global imperative. As shipping becomes more environmentally friendly, it will likely lead to shifts in commodity flows and pricing structures. This could create new opportunities and challenges within the industry.
  4. Complex Price Determination: The industry operates on the understanding that commodity pricing is a multifaceted process. While supply and demand remain fundamental, the logistics of moving commodities around the world play a crucial role in price determination.
  5. Risk Management: Given the volatility in shipping trends, effective risk management becomes paramount in commodity trading. This includes not just hedging against price fluctuations, but also considering potential disruptions in transportation and delivery.
  6. Technological Adaptation: The industry is likely to increasingly leverage technology to monitor and predict shipping trends. This could include the use of AI and big data analytics to forecast freight rates and potential supply chain disruptions.
  7. Regulatory Compliance: As new regulations emerge, particularly around environmental issues, the industry will need to stay informed and compliant. This could impact everything from the types of commodities traded to the methods of transportation used.

In conclusion, the commodity trading industry is intrinsically linked to the world of global shipping. The ebbs and flows of maritime transport have far-reaching implications, influencing not just prices but also trading strategies, risk management approaches, and long-term industry trends. For anyone interested in this sector, keeping an eye on shipping trends is crucial to understanding the forces shaping the global commodity markets.