Weekly Freight Recap: 26/09/24
Sep 26, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic Panamax market remained subdued with limited fresh demand and a wide bid/offer spread, particularly in East Coast South America where October liftings showed divergence. The North Atlantic saw some increase in tonnage availability, keeping rates stable but without significant momentum. Coal cargoes from the US East Coast provided minimal support, while the Baltic and Black Sea regions remained inactive.
Pacific: In contrast, the Pacific market showed more strength with firmer rates across trades, especially from Australia where some strong rates were concluded. This helped maintain positive sentiment, though the overall market remains cautious, with no major rallies expected despite steady support across regions.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: Market continued to struggle, with minimal fresh inquiries, particularly from the US Gulf and South America. While coal cargoes provided some support, the South Atlantic saw little fresh impetus, and sentiment remained positional.
Pacific: Market saw better demand, particularly from Indonesia and India, with some stronger rates agreed. However, overall activity remained limited, and the market started the week in a cautious position.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market experienced mixed activity, with more dynamism in the Continent and Mediterranean where demand increased, especially for routes towards the US Gulf and West Africa. Meanwhile, the South Atlantic and US Gulf markets remained under pressure, with limited inquiries and growing tonnage lists.
Pacific: Healthy cargo volumes supported an uptick in activity, with rates slightly rising from previous levels. This led to a generally positive sentiment, though the market remained relatively quiet in the early part of the week.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
03/07/25
Jul 03, 2025
The Panamax market held broadly steady this week, though signs of softening began to emerge toward the close, particularly in areas where prompt tonnage began to outpace fresh demand. Across the Atlantic, sentiment remained mixed.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
23–27/06/25 Agri
Jun 30, 2025
The week opened with a sharp pullback across grain markets as the geopolitical risk premium evaporated following U.S. President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. While the truce remained fragile—lacking official confirmation from Israel—market sentiment quickly pivoted back to fundamentals. Pressure mounted as U.S. crop conditions were mixed and EU wheat yield projections were revised higher, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. U.S. export inspections provided little optimism, with soybeans and wheat underperforming, and fund positioning indicated heavy corn selling alongside increased soybean buying.
Freight
Freight Recap:
26/06/25
Jun 19, 2025
The Panamax market continued to show resilience this week, holding around the USD 12,800/day level on the 5TC index. Gains were seen across both basins, driven by steady demand and tightening tonnage in key loading areas.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
16–20/06/25 Agri
Jun 23, 2025
Monday opened with wheat and corn giving back gains from the prior session, pressured by generally favorable U.S. crop outlooks. Corn conditions improved to 72% good-to-excellent (G/E), aligning with last year’s level, while soybean ratings declined to 66% G/E. Winter wheat condition unexpectedly slipped, and harvest progress remained significantly delayed. Export inspections showed continued strength for corn, while soybean oil surged on tighter-than-expected NOPA stocks. Geopolitics hovered in the background as Iran signaled a desire to avoid escalation with Israel, while Turkey offered to mediate talks.
