Ship Recycling Market Update Week 8 2026 | Bangladesh Reclaims Top Spot, 151K LDT Surge, Steel Volatility and Ramadan Impact

Week 8 of 2026 delivered a volatile yet constructive shift in the global ship recycling market. Freight rates, oil prices, steel fundamentals, and currencies all moved sharply before partially retracing by the end of the week. Despite Chinese New Year holidays, recycling supply surprised the market with approximately 151,000 LDT across 16 vessels delivered or arrived across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. In this episode, Ingrid and Henning examine the key drivers shaping the demolition market: The Baltic Dry Index rebounding 1.2 percent, led by Capesize and Panamax strength Oil prices climbing above USD 66 per barrel before easing toward USD 65.9 Bangladesh reclaiming the number one position in the subcontinent rankings with improving sentiment and pricing levels pushing into the mid USD 400s per LDT A USD 16 per ton increase in Bangladeshi steel plate prices alongside a firmer Taka Pakistan maintaining industry leading steel levels near USD 594 per ton following the halt in Iranian steel imports India’s steel prices slipping below USD 400 per ton while inflation trends accelerate Continued alignment on Hong Kong Convention compliance with IRRC documentation requirements across the region The expected operational slowdown from Ramadan across key recycling destinations This episode provides in-depth analysis of demolition pricing direction, port activity in Alang, Chattogram, and Gadani, currency performance, inflation trends, and the macroeconomic forces influencing vessel recycling markets in 2026. The discussion is tailored for shipowners, cash buyers, brokers, recycling yards, maritime investors, and shipping professionals seeking actionable insight into global ship demolition pricing and subcontinent market dynamics.