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
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
10-14/11/25 Agri
Nov 17, 2025
Grain markets firmed at the start of the week as headlines about a possible end to the U.S. government shutdown lifted CBOT futures, while European wheat lagged and improved EU export competitiveness. Market participants noted that, without fresh supportive catalysts, the rally might prove short-lived. Average trade estimates placed U.S. corn and soybean harvests at 92% and 96% complete, with winter wheat 95% planted and 52% good/excellent, though official USDA data remained unavailable due to the shutdown.
Egypt’s state buyer Mostakbal Misr was reported to have bought around 500k tons of wheat for late December–January delivery, including roughly 200k tons from Russia. Russian 12.5% FOB wheat closed last week at $232/t, slightly up on the week. Brazil’s 25/26 corn crop was forecast by Safras at 143.6 mmt, well above USDA’s September estimate. U.S. export inspections showed solid corn and soybean volumes but cumulative soybean loadings remained 6.4 mmt behind last year.
Freight
Freight Recap:
13/11/25
Nov 13, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a mixed performance, with Handysize activity remaining limited, Supramax maintaining firmer sentiment, and Panamax extending its gains on stronger fundamentals. The Atlantic generally held a positive tone across most segments, while the Pacific remained steady but slower, with Asian Handysize and Supramax markets facing softer enquiry and longer tonnage lists. Period interest persisted in both Supramax and Panamax sectors, supported by balanced fundamentals and improving demand signals.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
03-07/11/25 Agri
Nov 10, 2025
Soybeans extended their rally on expectations of accelerating Chinese demand, while rumors of U.S. wheat sales to China lifted Chicago futures. Corn stayed firm after StoneX raised its U.S. yield estimate to 186.0 bu/acre, though many still expect revisions lower in upcoming reports. Harvest progress reached 91% for soybeans and 83% for corn, with winter wheat planting nearly complete at 91%.
Export inspections totaled 965k t of soybeans, 1.67 mmt of corn, and 350k t of wheat—broadly in line with expectations. Despite easing trade tensions, Chinese importers continued booking cheaper Brazilian soybeans, reportedly 20 cargoes for December through mid-2026. Kazakhstan’s agriculture ministry reported a 27.1 mmt total harvest, including 20.3 mmt of wheat, far above USDA’s 16 mmt estimate.
Freight
Freight Recap:
06/11/25
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.
