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

Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
11-15/08/25 Agri
Aug 18, 2025
Grain markets experienced another volatile week as political developments, trade disputes, and bearish USDA data drove sentiment. Early in the week, soybeans surged on speculation that Chinese buying might resume following Donald Trump’s extension of tariff pauses, but corn and wheat failed to follow. Export inspections painted a mixed picture, with corn and soybeans performing well while wheat lagged. The USDA’s August WASDE loomed large over the market, with traders bracing for higher yield estimates.

Freight
Freight Recap:
14/08/25
Aug 14, 2025
The dry bulk market presented a mixed performance this week, with the Supramax segment edging higher, Handysize holding steady with minor gains, and Panamax showing a regional split — weaker in the Atlantic, firmer in the Pacific.

Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
04–08/08/25 Agri
Aug 11, 2025
Grain markets swung sharply this week, rebounding midweek before easing, driven by yield outlooks, export data, and geopolitical headlines.

Freight
Freight Recap:
7/08/25
Aug 07, 2025
Port of Callao halted operations after an Evergreen ship lost 50 containers during rough weather. Meanwhile, July's freight data shows the market stuck in a supply-heavy “holding pattern,” with capacity expanding but pricing rising faster — suggesting a slow, uneven recovery in logistics and transportation