Weekly Freight Recap: 11/04/24
Apr 11, 2024
This week's recap is as follows;
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The North Atlantic market exhibited signs of weakness despite some indications of stabilization, with rates remaining subdued due to limited fresh demand. However, there were reports of cheap voyage rates for trans-Atlantic business, contributing to further downward pressure on prices. In the South Atlantic, there was a notable increase in front haul demand, leading to firmer levels of trade. Yet, the overall sentiment remained pessimistic, reflected in the $19 drop in the BPI timecharter index, closing at $14,680.
Pacific: In Asia, the Panamax market experienced a non-descript day influenced by various holidays, resulting in drifting rates. Although there were discussions of steadier rates for deferred dates, the market sentiment remained cautious due to the lack of new demand and ongoing challenges. Despite isolated instances of stability, low activity and oversupply of tonnage persisted, painting a subdued outlook for the Panamax sector.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: Mixed sentiments prevailed in the Atlantic as some observed positional conditions in the US Gulf, while others noted better enquiry and stronger rates discussions. The South Atlantic market remained balanced, with the larger Panamax sizes showing signs of improvement, potentially impacting the Ultramax segment. However, overall activity remained limited amid widespread holidays, resulting in a fairly static 10TC average, gaining just $19 to settle at $13,863.
Pacific: Minimal activity was observed in Asia, with sentiments remaining fairly balanced despite the lack of significant developments. The seasonality suggests a potential bottoming out of the market with gradual rises expected in the coming months. Supportive fundamentals, including shipment volume growth outpacing supply growth, and rising industrial metals prices indicate a positive trajectory for the Supramax market in the foreseeable future.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: Across the Continent and the Mediterranean, the Handysize market witnessed a balanced day despite limited visible activity. In the South Atlantic, limited opportunities for prompt tonnage persisted, with expectations of improvements in May. However, minimal cargo availability dampened market sentiments despite signs of resistance to further reductions in the US Gulf and US East Coast.
Pacific: In South East Asia and Southern China, minimal activity was reported due to holidays in Indonesia and a lack of fresh enquiry from Australia. In North China-Japan, prompt tonnage levels continued to outweigh cargo demand, although some expressed optimism for potential changes in fortunes in the near future. Overall, the Handysize market remained subdued, with the BHSI falling by 3 points to 724 and the 7TC settling at $13,037.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
6/11/25
Nov 06, 2025
The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
Freight
Freight Recap:
30/10/25
Oct 30, 2025
Freight markets continued to ease across the board this week, with Panamax, Supramax, and Handysize segments all facing renewed pressure. Sentiment turned cautious as limited fresh demand and increasing tonnage lists in both basins weighed on rates, suggesting that the short-lived rally in mid-October may have topped out.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
20-24/10/25 Agri
Oct 27, 2025
Grain markets experienced a volatile but directionally mixed week, driven by optimism surrounding renewed US–China trade talks, fluctuating macro sentiment, and shifting global production estimates. Soybeans led early in the week, supported by trade optimism and strong export inspections, while wheat and corn were more restrained, pressured by abundant supply outlooks and mixed demand signals.
Monday began on a firm note, particularly for soybeans, which rallied sharply on upbeat remarks from President Trump about a potential trade deal with China. The oilseed market gained double digits amid rising hopes of resumed Chinese purchases. Wheat and corn, by contrast, traded mixed, with bearish pressure from improved Russian and Australian wheat crop outlooks limiting upside. IKAR raised Russia’s 2025 wheat forecast to 88.0 mmt and Australia’s harvest was seen near 36 mmt—its third largest on record. Still, lower prices encouraged demand, with Algeria issuing a December wheat tender.
