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
Freight
Freight Recap:
20/11/25
Nov 20, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a steady but uneven performance, with Handysize activity quiet, Supramax maintaining a firm underlying tone, and Panamax supported by stronger fundamentals in both basins. The Atlantic remained broadly stable, supported by positional tightness in some regions, while the Pacific held steady despite lighter fixing. Period and voyage activity continued across segments, reflecting balanced supply and demand dynamics.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
10-14/11/25 Agri
Nov 17, 2025
Grain markets firmed at the start of the week as headlines about a possible end to the U.S. government shutdown lifted CBOT futures, while European wheat lagged and improved EU export competitiveness. Market participants noted that, without fresh supportive catalysts, the rally might prove short-lived. Average trade estimates placed U.S. corn and soybean harvests at 92% and 96% complete, with winter wheat 95% planted and 52% good/excellent, though official USDA data remained unavailable due to the shutdown.
Egypt’s state buyer Mostakbal Misr was reported to have bought around 500k tons of wheat for late December–January delivery, including roughly 200k tons from Russia. Russian 12.5% FOB wheat closed last week at $232/t, slightly up on the week. Brazil’s 25/26 corn crop was forecast by Safras at 143.6 mmt, well above USDA’s September estimate. U.S. export inspections showed solid corn and soybean volumes but cumulative soybean loadings remained 6.4 mmt behind last year.
Freight
Freight Recap:
13/11/25
Nov 13, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a mixed performance, with Handysize activity remaining limited, Supramax maintaining firmer sentiment, and Panamax extending its gains on stronger fundamentals. The Atlantic generally held a positive tone across most segments, while the Pacific remained steady but slower, with Asian Handysize and Supramax markets facing softer enquiry and longer tonnage lists. Period interest persisted in both Supramax and Panamax sectors, supported by balanced fundamentals and improving demand signals.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
03-07/11/25 Agri
Nov 10, 2025
Soybeans extended their rally on expectations of accelerating Chinese demand, while rumors of U.S. wheat sales to China lifted Chicago futures. Corn stayed firm after StoneX raised its U.S. yield estimate to 186.0 bu/acre, though many still expect revisions lower in upcoming reports. Harvest progress reached 91% for soybeans and 83% for corn, with winter wheat planting nearly complete at 91%.
Export inspections totaled 965k t of soybeans, 1.67 mmt of corn, and 350k t of wheat—broadly in line with expectations. Despite easing trade tensions, Chinese importers continued booking cheaper Brazilian soybeans, reportedly 20 cargoes for December through mid-2026. Kazakhstan’s agriculture ministry reported a 27.1 mmt total harvest, including 20.3 mmt of wheat, far above USDA’s 16 mmt estimate.
