Weekly Freight Recap: 25/07/24
Jul 25, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic Panamax market showed strength with tightening tonnage in the North Atlantic and additional cargoes in the South Atlantic. Notable fixtures included a vessel fixed for a North Coast South America to Skaw-Barcelona trip at a premium rate. The East Coast South America (ECSA) region remained stable, trading around 16,500/17,000 BKI. Although overall activity was subdued, the North Continent saw slight gains, supported by steady demand for Black Sea grain.
Pacific: In the Pacific, Panamax conditions were balanced despite potential disruptions from Typhoon Gaemi. Increased cargo flows and slightly longer tonnage lists were reported. Key fixtures included a North Pacific trip to the Singapore-Japan range and an East Coast Australia to Japan trip. Delays and port closures in China had minimal impact, with owners hopeful for continued market activity.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax market faced mixed fortunes with limited fresh inquiries from the Continent and Mediterranean. US Gulf fronthaul requirements lost momentum, but the South Atlantic showed resilience with stronger levels for later dates. Notable fixtures included a Texas to India petcoke trip and fresh orders for sulphur cargoes, supporting a positive outlook.
Pacific: In Asia, the Supramax market remained healthy with improved cargo volumes and limited prompt tonnage. Noteworthy fixtures included a North China to Arabian Gulf trip and a backhaul to the US Gulf. Indonesian and Southeast Asian markets saw rates around 18,000/19,000 levels for China-bound trips. Increased demand for period tonnage, particularly for Supramax and Ultramax sizes, reflected optimism.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic:The Atlantic Handysize market was quiet, with limited activity and a marginal increase in the Baltic Handysize Index (BHSI). The Continent and Mediterranean slowed due to a lack of fresh inquiries, but the South Atlantic improved as vessel lists tightened. Notable fixtures included a Recalada to Morocco grain trip. US Gulf sentiment remained positive, driven by a tonnage-to-cargo imbalance.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the Handysize market faced softer tones with limited cargo availability from Australia and Indonesia. Activity was restrained, with notable fixtures including a Caribbean to Iceland trip. The general outlook remained cautious, with owners and charterers hoping for a more balanced supply-demand scenario.
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.
