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
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.
Freight
Freight Recap:
04/12/25
Dec 04, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a generally mixed performance, with Handysize remaining supported in the Atlantic, Supramax showing uneven movement across regions, and Panamax continuing its correction as rising vessel supply weighed on sentiment. Atlantic dynamics were split between firmer US Gulf/US East Coast activity in the smaller segments and softer conditions for Panamax. In the Pacific, muted enquiry and longer lists contributed to a softer tone, especially in NoPac, though isolated strength persisted in Australian coal.
