The Baltic Exchange is the world's leading international shipping market. Two-thirds of all the world's open market bulk cargo movement is at some stage handled by Baltic members. The five main dry bulk commodities are: iron ore, grain, coal, bauxite/alumina and phosphate rock. Other cargoes include sugar, forest products, ores and minerals, fertilisers, some manufactured commodities and various agricultural products.

The wet bulk market comprises crude oil as well as refined products such as petrol, kerosene and chemicals. Many operators in these trades are themselves members of the Baltic, particularly international commodity traders in grain, oils, seeds and fats. In addition it is calculated that about half of the world's sale and purchase of ships is dealt with through firms represented on the Baltic. Altogether, this international business generates around $2½ billion a year in freight commissions which are no less than 6 per cent of the UK's total invisible earnings, and tens of billions of dollars in chartering costs go through London's banking system. Associated activities include the provision of a daily Freight Index which, as well as providing an indicator of the state of the dry cargo market, is traded on the Baltic International Freight Futures market (BIFFEX). Air chartering is arranged and aircraft are bought and sold. The Corn Exchange also holds its weekly market sessions on the Exchange.