Weekly Freight Recap: 12/09/24
Sep 12, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market saw moderate gains this week, with improved sentiment for short trans-Atlantic trips, particularly for mineral cargoes. In the South Atlantic, earlier vessels continue to face challenges for September dates, but mid-October arrivals show firmer rate discussions. Fronthaul routes saw some positive developments, while the North Atlantic remains pressured by excess tonnage.
Pacific: In the Pacific, rates picked up slightly as demand for North Pacific grain shipments increased. Owners offering flexible loading options from both North Pacific and Australia achieved better rates. Although activity was slower, the market maintained its positive trend.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market saw some improvement in trans-Atlantic rates from the US Gulf, though the South Atlantic remained slow with fewer fresh inquiries. The Continent-Mediterranean region was quiet with limited activity.
Pacific: In Asia, nickel ore trades saw increased interest, particularly from the Philippines to China. However, upcoming holidays kept some charterers from committing to fixtures. Overall, rates held steady, supported by healthy cargo volumes.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market experienced minimal activity, with sentiment softening in the Continent and Mediterranean. The US Gulf continued to struggle with an imbalance of cargo and available tonnage. In the South Atlantic, a slight increase in fresh demand was noted, but it wasn't enough to change the overall market tone.
Pacific: In Asia, the market remained steady despite a growing tonnage list. Healthy cargo volumes helped keep rates stable at recent levels.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
6-10/1 /25 AGRI
Jan 13, 2025
Monday: Grain markets rebounded from Friday's losses, bolstered by a weaker dollar and pre-USDA report positioning. CBOT-denominated prices gained, though MATIF milling wheat remained an outlier. U.S. weekly export inspections showed mixed results, with wheat exceeding expectations while corn and soybeans remained within range. In Argentina, persistent hot and dry conditions continued to pose risks, while Brazil benefited from favorable weather. Kansas winter wheat conditions declined, adding concerns over the domestic crop.
Freight
Freight Recap:
09/01/25
Dec 12, 2024
The Atlantic market began with initial strength due to limited New Year tonnage, but rates flattened as more vessels entered the region. In the south, oversupply led to discounted rates, and forward fixing remained cautious. Spot vessels maintained premiums, but lack of fresh demand in the north and a long tonnage list saw rates ease, favoring charterers. EC South America faced additional pressure from long ballast lists and sub-index equivalent fixtures for early February.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
9-13/12 /24 AGRI
Dec 16, 2024
Monday: US wheat futures began the week on a positive note but struggled to maintain gains as MATIF wheat remained unresponsive. Corn saw slight upward movement, while soybeans softened ahead of Tuesday’s USDA report. The Russian wheat market showed resilience, with FOB prices for 12.5% protein wheat climbing to $228/ton, up $2 from the previous week. Concerns about the poor condition of Russian winter grains were tempered by IKAR analysts suggesting the reality may be less dire. Meanwhile, China’s Politburo announced aggressive economic stimulus measures, signaling a shift in fiscal and monetary policies, but these had minimal impact on grains. U.S. export inspections highlighted weak performance in wheat, with only 227k tons inspected, significantly below the previous week’s 299k tons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
19/12/24
Dec 12, 2024
Panamax transatlantic activity saw a modest boost as charterers sought coverage ahead of the holiday season, but an oversupply of tonnage in the East Mediterranean kept pressure on rates. Fronthaul routes remained lackluster due to weak demand from the Black Sea and continued ballasting toward Gibraltar, leaving the market constrained.
