Weekly Freight Recap: 18 July, 2024
Jul 18, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market in the Atlantic region showed mixed activity this week. While there were reports of tight tonnage counts on the Continent/Mediterranean routes leading to slight rate increases, EC South America faced pressure, influencing the market sentiment. Overall, the market maintained a stable outlook with cautious optimism.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the Panamax market benefited from increased grain loadings and seasonal Black Sea volumes, supporting market conditions. However, Asia experienced subdued activity due to a national holiday in Japan. The market remains balanced, with expectations of sustained performance in the coming weeks.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: Supramax markets in the Atlantic displayed varied trends. While there was softening observed in the Continent and Mediterranean regions due to limited fresh enquiries, the US Gulf region saw healthy demand. Expansion of tonnage lists added pressure to prompt levels, particularly in front haul routes. The South Atlantic reported reduced demand, impacting prompt vessel rates. Despite challenges, market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic.
Pacific: In the Pacific, Supramax market dynamics were influenced by increased backhaul demand and cautious owner behavior regarding fixations. Rates remained stable, reflecting a balanced market condition with expectations for future activity.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize sector saw modest gains, with a focus on the Atlantic region. Limited fresh enquiries across the Continent and Mediterranean persisted. In the South Atlantic, there was increased demand for vessels scheduled for end-July dates, reflecting positive sentiment in the market.
Pacific: Handysize activity in the Pacific region was characterized by steady performance and increased demand for backhaul trips. Owners' reluctance to fix ships for such routes positively impacted implied rates, underscoring a balanced market outlook in Asia.
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.
