ABSTRACT
The open market also includes a time charter sector and the important sector covering other more long-range contractual engagements of various natures. During a general low freight market period every sign is noted which may indicate a change toward an increase in demand for sea transport, such as the state of the general economic world market, the development of the general political situation, and the market trends within special sectors. The open market is influenced by the "law" of supply and demand, but it would be an over-simplification to state that the market is generated and directed by this. The connection to world industrial activity is reflected by market rates for the two so-called leading commodities, iron ore and coal, and seasonal variations are influenced by demand for ships to carry grain, which is the third leading commodity in the dry cargo sector.
