Weekly Freight Recap: 24/10/24
Oct 24, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market started the week slowly, with owners lowering rate expectations due to an oversupply of tonnage, especially in the East Coast South America region. While there was some improvement in Atlantic inquiries, overall sentiment remained negative, as the growing number of ships put downward pressure on rates.
Pacific: The market faced softening conditions, though the Indonesian market remained more stable. However, with increasing tonnage lists and limited fresh demand, there were concerns about further rate declines as the week progressed.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market had a mixed week. Demand for fronthaul business remained steady in the US Gulf, though transatlantic rates softened as recent gains paused. The Mediterranean saw improved demand, with a better outlook for the coming weeks.
Pacific: In Asia, the market continued to decline gradually. There was limited fresh inquiry, and the Indian Ocean remained mostly quiet. Owners were cautious as tonnage availability increased, keeping pressure on rates despite some pockets of activity.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market remained positive, particularly in the Continent and Mediterranean regions, where scrap orders boosted rates. However, in the South Atlantic, the market was more subdued, with few notable changes. The US Gulf held steady with stable fundamentals, maintaining current rate levels.
Pacific: Conditions were softer as tonnage continued to grow. Limited cargo from the North Pacific and Australia led to downward pressure, although the market remained stable in parts of Southeast Asia.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
6/11/25
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.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
Freight
Freight Recap:
30/10/25
Oct 30, 2025
Freight markets continued to ease across the board this week, with Panamax, Supramax, and Handysize segments all facing renewed pressure. Sentiment turned cautious as limited fresh demand and increasing tonnage lists in both basins weighed on rates, suggesting that the short-lived rally in mid-October may have topped out.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
20-24/10/25 Agri
Oct 27, 2025
Grain markets experienced a volatile but directionally mixed week, driven by optimism surrounding renewed US–China trade talks, fluctuating macro sentiment, and shifting global production estimates. Soybeans led early in the week, supported by trade optimism and strong export inspections, while wheat and corn were more restrained, pressured by abundant supply outlooks and mixed demand signals.
Monday began on a firm note, particularly for soybeans, which rallied sharply on upbeat remarks from President Trump about a potential trade deal with China. The oilseed market gained double digits amid rising hopes of resumed Chinese purchases. Wheat and corn, by contrast, traded mixed, with bearish pressure from improved Russian and Australian wheat crop outlooks limiting upside. IKAR raised Russia’s 2025 wheat forecast to 88.0 mmt and Australia’s harvest was seen near 36 mmt—its third largest on record. Still, lower prices encouraged demand, with Algeria issuing a December wheat tender.
