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
Freight
Freight Recap:
18/12/25
Dec 18, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
08-12/12/25 Agri
Dec 15, 2025
CBOT markets finished lower ahead of Tuesday’s WASDE, which was widely expected to lack bullish surprises. MATIF wheat was the exception, posting small gains. Russian 12.5% protein wheat FOB for January delivery edged up by $0.5 w/w to $227.5/t, according to IKAR. Geopolitical headlines remained in focus after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said US-brokered peace talks remain stalled over security guarantees and control of eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas.
Freight
Freight Recap:
11/12/25
Dec 11, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
01-05/12/25 Agri
Dec 08, 2025
USDA announced no new flash sales, disappointing soybean markets. Weekly export sales remain delayed and have not yet reached the period covering the US–China trade deal, leaving the true pace of buying uncertain. CBOT corn and wheat eased, while March MATIF wheat posted small gains after finding support at intraday contract lows. ABARES raised Australia’s 2025/26 wheat, barley, and canola output, though the increases were broadly in line with expectations. Algeria’s OAIC issued a soft wheat tender for February shipment, and Russian wheat prices slipped again, with 12.5% FOB for January at $227/t.
