Weekly Freight Recap: 13/06/24
Jun 13, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market in the Atlantic experienced notable optimism this week, especially in the North Atlantic, where tight tonnage availability drove expectations of rising rates. Significant demand for grain and mineral trips from the North Coast of South America and the US Gulf contributed to the bullish sentiment. Meanwhile, the South Atlantic market remained stable yet firm, supported by ample cargo volumes. This steadiness will likely persist, buoyed by consistent demand and limited vessel availability, suggesting a potential rate increase soon.
Pacific: The Panamax market in the Pacific, however, remained quiet and subdued. Limited activity was observed, with a weaker overall market tone, partly due to holidays in parts of Asia slowing down the start of the week. Despite some stronger bids for grain transatlantic round trips, the sentiment remained bearish with minimal overall market activity. Charterers held off placing bids, leading to a standoff with owners and further stifling activity. However, a few period fixtures indicated a cautious optimism for a market rebound soon, as participants anticipate increased demand and potentially higher rates.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market in the Atlantic showed a marked improvement, driven by stronger numbers from the US Gulf, where rates increased significantly compared to the previous week. Fresh requirements and better cargo volumes, especially from the US East Coast and US Gulf, pushed rates up by around USD 3,000 from last week's fixtures. Additionally, the scrap trade from the Baltic/Continent paid a premium, with owners holding back to negotiate better rates. In the South Atlantic, sentiment remained positive, although fresh fixtures were limited. Overall, the Atlantic Supramax market is gaining strength, supported by increased demand and improved cargo volumes.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the Supramax market saw a slight uptick in activity, indicating that the market might have reached a bottom. A good balance of cargo and tonnage supply led to stable rates. Supramax vessels delivering to North China for coal round voyages and Ultramax vessels from Indonesia to China saw consistent fixtures at steady rates. While the market remained somewhat positional, there was cautious optimism as brokers reported more activity and stable demand, suggesting a potential stabilization of rates soon.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market in the Atlantic experienced a slight shift in sentiment, with brokers noting a potential change in fortune for owners in the Mediterranean and Continent regions. Increased cargo visibility contributed to this optimism, though significant gains were yet to be seen. The South Atlantic remained challenging, with negative sentiment due to prompt tonnage and a lack of fresh enquiry. However, the lack of prompt tonnage in the US Gulf allowed owners to achieve small gains, hinting at a potential recovery if demand continues to rise.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the Handysize market continued to face pressure, with negativity prevailing due to a lack of fresh enquiries from key regions such as Australia, Indonesia, and China. This persistent lack of demand further softened the market, causing rates to remain under pressure. Despite ongoing challenges, there were signs that owners were beginning to hold back, hoping for a turnaround as the market seeks a balance between supply and demand.
Weekly Recaps
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.
Freight
Freight Recap:
06/11/25
Nov 06, 2025
The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
