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:
18/04/25
Apr 18, 2025
The Atlantic market saw further pressure with rates declining across most routes. Despite some vessel movement toward South America on hopes of stronger grain activity, this has not translated into stronger sentiment. The region remains oversupplied, and charterers continue to dictate terms, keeping offers low and confidence weak.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
7/4- 11/4/25 Agri
Apr 15, 2025
Grain markets began the week relatively stable, despite heightened volatility in U.S. financial markets. The threat of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China remained a significant concern, as President Trump proposed additional tariffs on Chinese imports. In the grain markets, U.S. export inspections for soybeans and corn were strong, while wheat inspections fell short of expectations.
Freight
Freight Recap:
10/04/25
Apr 10, 2025
Atlantic: The market remained under pressure with falling rates driven by oversupply and limited fresh demand. While some activity was seen out of South America, it wasn’t enough to shift sentiment. Charterers maintained control, and offers remained far apart from bids, especially on transatlantic routes. Overall, market participants remained cautious, with attention also diverted by global financial uncertainty.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
31/3- 4/4/25 Agri
Apr 07, 2025
Grain markets kicked off the week digesting the USDA’s planting intentions report, which offered mild support to wheat and modest pressure on corn. However, corn still managed to finish higher for the old crop, while soybeans slipped slightly. Export inspections showed strong performance for corn and solid showings for wheat and soybeans. Winter wheat conditions held steady in Kansas but declined in Texas and Oklahoma. Market attention began shifting toward President Trump’s anticipated tariff announcement, raising questions over potential trade fallout.
