Global freight markets strengthened across tanker, container and dry-bulk segments as Middle East conflict, Strait of Hormuz risks, Panama Canal restrictions, typhoon damage, port congestion and peak-season demand tightened capacity. VLCC charter rates reached $1.035 million per day on September 14 on the benchmark Middle East Gulf-to-China route, according to Baltic Exchange data, while another report put Middle East-China rates as high as $800,000 per day. The SCFI reached 3,662.18 on September 11 after seven consecutive weekly gains, and the Baltic Dry Index rose 13.9% to 3,628. South Korean carriers received higher third-quarter earnings forecasts, although exporters face elevated costs, fuel-price risks and uncertainty over vessel oversupply after 2027.