High-Trend International Group (Nasdaq: HTCO), a global ocean transportation company, issued a press release noting that the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) reached 2,732 points as of July 31, 2026, representing a 9.2% increase during July, according to the Baltic Exchange.

Market conditions varied across vessel classes, with Capesize and Panamax indices strengthening while the Supramax index remained comparatively weaker. The press release cited stronger Capesize freight rates, increased long-haul iron ore cargo activity from Brazil and West Africa, and tighter vessel capacity as factors associated with the recovery. Geopolitical risks around the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to rerouting, higher insurance premiums, and increased bunker fuel costs for certain vessels.

For the six months ended April 30, 2026, HTCO reported revenue of $137.5 million, up 38.3% from $99.4 million in the same prior-year period. Total Voyage Days increased 37.4% to 4,698 days, while Average Charge Per Day rose 0.7% to $29,149.

CEO Bruce He stated: "Leveraging our experience in international shipping and logistics, we will continue to evaluate market opportunities carefully, optimize resource allocation and strengthen the quality of our shipping revenue and operating cash flow while maintaining disciplined geopolitical, operational and financial risk management."

According to a May 2026 Lloyd's List analysis, selected U.S.-listed dry bulk shipping companies with market capitalizations above $300 million had gained approximately 37% year to date as of the article's publication, compared with approximately 5% for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF. Over the preceding 12 months, those companies had risen approximately 91%, against approximately 29% for the benchmark. Bloomberg data cited in the release indicated that EuroDry Ltd., a publicly traded dry bulk vessel owner, generated a year-to-date total return of approximately 106.6% through July 31, 2026.