Weekly Freight Recap: 25/04/24
Apr 25, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: Activity decreased in the North Atlantic, with most recent cargoes covered, indicating potential rate adjustments downward. However, the ECSA remained relatively steady with decent demand projected from mid-May.
Pacific: Signs of weakening were observed, especially from Indonesia, due to a seasonal dip in coal demand. Despite a stable tonnage count, a lack of bids cast uncertainty on the true market value.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: Healthy activity levels were observed across the basin for geared sizes. Markets continued to push, albeit stronger than seasonality suggests. Signs of market flattening were noted, with expectations of a sideways trend in the near future.
Pacific: After days of lackluster activity, an increase in cargo volumes from ECSA was observed. Improved commodity prices are expected to bring more cargoes into the market in the coming weeks. Period market remains strong, with major operators scouting for long period tonnage.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: Pressure mounted on prompt tonnage, with limited fresh enquiry reported. While stability prevailed, there were indications of potential rate adjustments as activity slowed in the South Atlantic.
Pacific: Positivity remained evident, with a steady flow of fresh enquiry across all loading regions. Owners continued to see small gains, indicating a relatively stable market in the Asia region.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
6-10/1 /25 AGRI
Jan 13, 2025
Monday: Grain markets rebounded from Friday's losses, bolstered by a weaker dollar and pre-USDA report positioning. CBOT-denominated prices gained, though MATIF milling wheat remained an outlier. U.S. weekly export inspections showed mixed results, with wheat exceeding expectations while corn and soybeans remained within range. In Argentina, persistent hot and dry conditions continued to pose risks, while Brazil benefited from favorable weather. Kansas winter wheat conditions declined, adding concerns over the domestic crop.
Freight
Freight Recap:
09/01/25
Dec 12, 2024
The Atlantic market began with initial strength due to limited New Year tonnage, but rates flattened as more vessels entered the region. In the south, oversupply led to discounted rates, and forward fixing remained cautious. Spot vessels maintained premiums, but lack of fresh demand in the north and a long tonnage list saw rates ease, favoring charterers. EC South America faced additional pressure from long ballast lists and sub-index equivalent fixtures for early February.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
9-13/12 /24 AGRI
Dec 16, 2024
Monday: US wheat futures began the week on a positive note but struggled to maintain gains as MATIF wheat remained unresponsive. Corn saw slight upward movement, while soybeans softened ahead of Tuesday’s USDA report. The Russian wheat market showed resilience, with FOB prices for 12.5% protein wheat climbing to $228/ton, up $2 from the previous week. Concerns about the poor condition of Russian winter grains were tempered by IKAR analysts suggesting the reality may be less dire. Meanwhile, China’s Politburo announced aggressive economic stimulus measures, signaling a shift in fiscal and monetary policies, but these had minimal impact on grains. U.S. export inspections highlighted weak performance in wheat, with only 227k tons inspected, significantly below the previous week’s 299k tons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
19/12/24
Dec 12, 2024
Panamax transatlantic activity saw a modest boost as charterers sought coverage ahead of the holiday season, but an oversupply of tonnage in the East Mediterranean kept pressure on rates. Fronthaul routes remained lackluster due to weak demand from the Black Sea and continued ballasting toward Gibraltar, leaving the market constrained.
