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
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.
