Weekly Freight Recap: 01/08/24
Aug 01, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market in the Atlantic basin faced significant declines, particularly impacted by an underperforming South American market. Limited activity in the North Atlantic, with few mineral voyage business deals, contributed to a negative sentiment. Rates remained lower than index levels, driven by a lack of visibility and limited fresh inquiries. There was a cautious outlook, with mixed views on market stability and the summer season further adding to the uncertainty.
Pacific: In the Pacific, there was slightly better activity compared to the Atlantic, yet rates continued to fall. Owners were discounting shorter runs to minimize exposure to low rates. The market struggled to find a floor, with ongoing uncertainty and reduced demand. Despite some activity, the overall sentiment remained cautious, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the Panamax segment.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market in the Atlantic remained lackluster with minimal fresh inquiries. The US Gulf, in particular, saw rates under negative pressure due to a lack of new activity. The South Atlantic also experienced reduced interest and weakening rates, mirroring the broader trend in the region. Few fixtures were reported, and overall sentiment was cautious with a prevailing negative outlook.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the Supramax market lost ground due to limited fresh inquiries. Activity was sparse, with both owners and charters adopting a 'wait and see' approach. However, the Indian Ocean showed a bit more activity, driven by sulphur shipments, though this did not significantly impact the overall market. The general mood in the Pacific was one of caution, with mixed opinions on potential upward pressure in specific areas.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market in the Atlantic was subdued with little action reported. In the Continent, there were signs of slight resistance from owners, although concrete details were scarce. The US Gulf seemed to gain ground, though no actual fixtures were heard. The South Atlantic remained finely balanced with limited fresh inquiries, reflecting broader market trends.
Pacific: The Pacific market for Handysize vessels saw limited fresh inquiries, with a generally pessimistic sentiment prevailing. There was a lack of new fixtures, making it difficult to gauge market direction. Despite the subdued activity, the market saw a slight gain in average rates, though overall sentiment remained cautious and uncertain. The 'wait and see' approach dominated, with market participants hesitant to commit amid unclear prospects.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
18/12/25
Dec 18, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
08-12/12/25 Agri
Dec 15, 2025
CBOT markets finished lower ahead of Tuesday’s WASDE, which was widely expected to lack bullish surprises. MATIF wheat was the exception, posting small gains. Russian 12.5% protein wheat FOB for January delivery edged up by $0.5 w/w to $227.5/t, according to IKAR. Geopolitical headlines remained in focus after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said US-brokered peace talks remain stalled over security guarantees and control of eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas.
Freight
Freight Recap:
11/12/25
Dec 11, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
01-05/12/25 Agri
Dec 08, 2025
USDA announced no new flash sales, disappointing soybean markets. Weekly export sales remain delayed and have not yet reached the period covering the US–China trade deal, leaving the true pace of buying uncertain. CBOT corn and wheat eased, while March MATIF wheat posted small gains after finding support at intraday contract lows. ABARES raised Australia’s 2025/26 wheat, barley, and canola output, though the increases were broadly in line with expectations. Algeria’s OAIC issued a soft wheat tender for February shipment, and Russian wheat prices slipped again, with 12.5% FOB for January at $227/t.
