Weekly Freight Recap: 04/07/24
Jul 04, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market in the Atlantic faced significant pressure, particularly in the northern regions. Rates continued to decline due to low demand, with shipowners undercutting each other to secure deals. The South American market was sluggish, showing little activity and keeping rates flat. The overall sentiment in the Atlantic remains bearish, with further rate drops anticipated.
Pacific: In the Pacific, there were signs of stabilization as new cargoes emerged from Australia and Indonesia. However, the market remains cautious, as the volume of available ships is still high. Sentiment improved slightly, but the overall outlook is tempered by weak demand from South America and negative forward freight agreements (FFAs).
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market in the Atlantic experienced mixed feelings but overall downward pressure. There was a noticeable lack of prompt tonnage from the US Gulf, leading to higher discussions but no firm deals. The South Atlantic saw further rate declines due to limited new enquiries. West Africa and East Coast South America (ECSA) also reported low activity, exacerbating the pressure on rates.
Pacific: The Pacific market for Supramax vessels remained lacklustre. Brokers noted a persistent lack of appetite from Southeast Asia and minimal fresh enquiries. The Indian Ocean was similarly affected, with ample prompt tonnage available but little demand. The monsoon season in Western India is expected to reduce activity further over the next two months. Period rates remain high, but no new long-term enquiries were reported.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize sector saw visible activity subside, leading to increased negativity in the market. The Baltic and Mediterranean regions reported a continued lack of fresh enquiries, putting additional pressure on owners. Despite some last-minute activity before US celebrations, the overall market remains weak, with prompt tonnage reducing rates to avoid sitting idle.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the Handysize market remained relatively balanced. Owners were reluctant to accept discounted rates despite limited fresh enquiries. While the overall activity level was low, some stability was observed as owners held firm on rate expectations, hoping for an uptick in demand.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
11-15/08/25 Agri
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Grain markets experienced another volatile week as political developments, trade disputes, and bearish USDA data drove sentiment. Early in the week, soybeans surged on speculation that Chinese buying might resume following Donald Trump’s extension of tariff pauses, but corn and wheat failed to follow. Export inspections painted a mixed picture, with corn and soybeans performing well while wheat lagged. The USDA’s August WASDE loomed large over the market, with traders bracing for higher yield estimates.
Freight
Freight Recap:
14/08/25
Aug 14, 2025
The dry bulk market presented a mixed performance this week, with the Supramax segment edging higher, Handysize holding steady with minor gains, and Panamax showing a regional split — weaker in the Atlantic, firmer in the Pacific.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
04–08/08/25 Agri
Aug 11, 2025
Grain markets swung sharply this week, rebounding midweek before easing, driven by yield outlooks, export data, and geopolitical headlines.
Freight
Freight Recap:
7/08/25
Aug 07, 2025
Port of Callao halted operations after an Evergreen ship lost 50 containers during rough weather. Meanwhile, July's freight data shows the market stuck in a supply-heavy “holding pattern,” with capacity expanding but pricing rising faster — suggesting a slow, uneven recovery in logistics and transportation
