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:
18/04/25
Apr 18, 2025
The Atlantic market saw further pressure with rates declining across most routes. Despite some vessel movement toward South America on hopes of stronger grain activity, this has not translated into stronger sentiment. The region remains oversupplied, and charterers continue to dictate terms, keeping offers low and confidence weak.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
7/4- 11/4/25 Agri
Apr 15, 2025
Grain markets began the week relatively stable, despite heightened volatility in U.S. financial markets. The threat of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China remained a significant concern, as President Trump proposed additional tariffs on Chinese imports. In the grain markets, U.S. export inspections for soybeans and corn were strong, while wheat inspections fell short of expectations.
Freight
Freight Recap:
10/04/25
Apr 10, 2025
Atlantic: The market remained under pressure with falling rates driven by oversupply and limited fresh demand. While some activity was seen out of South America, it wasn’t enough to shift sentiment. Charterers maintained control, and offers remained far apart from bids, especially on transatlantic routes. Overall, market participants remained cautious, with attention also diverted by global financial uncertainty.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
31/3- 4/4/25 Agri
Apr 07, 2025
Grain markets kicked off the week digesting the USDA’s planting intentions report, which offered mild support to wheat and modest pressure on corn. However, corn still managed to finish higher for the old crop, while soybeans slipped slightly. Export inspections showed strong performance for corn and solid showings for wheat and soybeans. Winter wheat conditions held steady in Kansas but declined in Texas and Oklahoma. Market attention began shifting toward President Trump’s anticipated tariff announcement, raising questions over potential trade fallout.
