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:
5-9/5/25 Agri
May 12, 2025
Grain markets faced a volatile week, marked by sharp price swings, shifting weather outlooks, and heightened geopolitical developments. The week began with broad-based losses, as favorable U.S. planting weather and declining oil prices pressured corn and wheat. Old crop corn tumbled over 3%, while MATIF milling wheat slid toward the critical €200 mark. Improved Black Sea rainfall forecasts further weighed on sentiment, with IKAR raising its Russian wheat crop estimate to 83.8 mmt. Meanwhile, U.S. planting progress remained steady but slightly below expectations, and winter wheat condition ratings exceeded forecasts, adding to the bearish tone.
Freight
Freight Recap:
08/05/25
May 08, 2025
The Atlantic Panamax market showed modest stability, with transatlantic activity supported by firm demand from North Coast South America and tight tonnage off the Continent. Grain business helped keep sentiment steady, though the southern part of the basin remained quiet with few fresh enquiries. Activity was limited due to holidays, but premium routes offered some support to rates despite a broadly sideways trend.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
28/4/-22/5/25 Agri
May 05, 2025
Grain markets navigated a complex mix of macroeconomic signals, weather developments, and geopolitical currents in Week 18, with wheat drawing the most attention amid volatile fund positioning and shifting sentiment. Early in the week, U.S. wheat futures led a broad decline across grain contracts as expectations for improved crop conditions took hold. These were confirmed late Monday by the Crop Progress report, which showed winter wheat ratings jumping to 49% good/excellent—surpassing market forecasts and matching last year’s figure. Favorable U.S. rainfall and continued planting progress in corn and soybeans reinforced the bearish tone, while a sharp uptick in wheat export inspections helped limit losses. Meanwhile, soybeans bucked the trend to close in the green, supported in part by robust export activity.
Freight
Freight Recap:
01/05/25
May 01, 2025
Panamax market softened over the week, with spot demand showing only limited support, particularly out of North Coast South America. Activity slowed across most areas, partly due to industry events and holidays. The Mediterranean saw a buildup in available tonnage, though sentiment remained cautiously firm.
