Weekly Freight Recap: 08/08/24
Aug 08, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market continued its decline this week, moving away from typical seasonal trends. The Atlantic basin saw minimal trans-Atlantic activity, with significant rate corrections anticipated due to low demand and an oversupply of vessels. Charterers held the upper hand, reducing bids and leading to weaker sentiment overall.
Pacific: In the Pacific, a lack of cargo support led to expected rate corrections. Older, smaller vessels faced heavy discounts, particularly on short Indonesian round trips. Market activity from Australia to China and Malaysia reflected ongoing corrections, with overall sentiment remaining weak.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market saw moderate activity, with new sugar stems and steady South Africa-India coal trades. The US Gulf market weakened further due to a lack of fresh inquiries and an increasing prompt tonnage list. Despite some period charter activity, overall market sentiment remained flat.
Pacific: Demand was weak in the south and more balanced in the north. Regular Indonesia-China and Indonesia-India trips continued, with period charters still in demand. Recent deals suggested a slight upward trend in rates, but the overall market remained subdued.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market had mixed results this week. Some positivity emerged from South America, with fixtures to Central America and Europe showing slight rate improvements. The US Gulf saw limited activity, with some trips to Mexico and the Mediterranean, but overall market excitement was low.
Pacific: Market fundamentals remained stable with the usual Indonesian coal runs to China and India. Rates and activity levels were consistent with previous weeks, indicating a balanced market. Interest in period charters reflected steady demand in the region.
Weekly Recaps
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17/07/25
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Shipping markets confront growing disruption amid unexplained Russian bank freezes and impending US trade tariffs, complicating payments and trade between key regions.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
07–11/07/25 Agri
Jul 14, 2025
Grain markets fell on favorable U.S. weather and better crop ratings. Corn dropped to a one-week low; wheat declined as harvest reached 53%. Soybeans were steady, supported by strong export demand and positioning ahead of pollination. USDA data showed higher corn and soybean export inspections, including firm soybean export demand. New corn sales to Mexico and a wheat agreement with Indonesia also added to the day’s developments. Market watched updated crop ratings, fund moves, tariffs, and EU trade data.
Freight
Freight Recap:
10/07/25
Jul 10, 2025
Shipping markets continue to face growing security risks. Two alarming incidents were reported in the Red Sea, where a Greek-operated bulk carrier was seriously damaged by a sea drone attack, resulting in injuries and crew missing.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
30–04/07/25 Agri
Jul 07, 2025
The week began with growing consensus that the USDA’s upcoming acreage revisions will have minimal impact on U.S. corn and soybean supply estimates. This outlook kept prices largely steady in those markets. Wheat continued to face pressure, with September and December MATIF milling wheat futures falling to new contract lows before recovering slightly, supported only by the lack of fresh bearish information from the USDA.
