Baltic index dip as rates across all vessels decline

April 2 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index, which monitors rates for vessels moving dry bulk commodities, fell for its seventh straight session on Wednesday, as rates declined for all vessel segments.

The main index .BADI, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax, and supramax shipping vessels, eased 4 points to 1,583, its lowest level since March 12.

The capesize index .BACI was down 5 points at 2,435, a near four-week low.

Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, lost $36 to $20,198.

Iron ore futures strengthened on Wednesday, underpinned by resilient seasonal demand for the key steelmaking ingredient that countered trade war concerns ahead of looming U.S. tariffs. IRONORE/

President Donald Trump is set to impose sweeping new tariffs later today, a day he has proclaimed "Liberation Day" in the United States, escalating a trade war with global partners, risking cost increases and upending a decades-old trade order.

The panamax index .BPNI inched 3 points lower to 1,496.

Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, was down $25 at $13,464.

Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS dropped 5 points to 978.