Weekly Freight Recap: 17/10/24
Oct 17, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market continued to struggle in the Atlantic, with vessels facing difficulties securing employment due to an oversupply of tonnage. Limited cargo volumes, particularly from the US East Coast and Gulf, led to reduced rates. Though there was some support from grain exports, it wasn’t enough to balance the excess availability of ships, especially in the South Atlantic. Pacific: In the Pacific, the market remained weak even as activity picked up after recent holidays. Oversupply of vessels and soft demand from key routes, such as North Pacific and Australia, kept rates under pressure. Seasonal demand for coal and agricultural exports fell short of expectations, contributing to the negative market sentiment.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax market saw limited movement this week, with vessels slowly clearing as fresh inquiries emerged. While the US Gulf held steady, activity in West Africa provided some additional support. Transatlantic routes saw steady rates, while fronthaul trips experienced stronger demand.
Pacific: In the Pacific, grain demand from Australia and the North Pacific began to pick up, boosting sentiment. However, the Middle East Gulf and West Coast India market remained sluggish due to oversupply and weak cargo demand. Most owners preferred to stay in the Pacific, where rates showed more promise.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market remained relatively stable, with rates holding steady across the US Gulf and South Atlantic. In the Mediterranean and Continent regions, ongoing demand helped keep rates above previous levels, with a balanced outlook.
Pacific: In the Pacific, activity stayed strong, supported by tight tonnage availability. Sentiment remained positive, with healthy cargo volumes keeping rates stable for the short term.
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.
