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:
20/11/25
Nov 20, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a steady but uneven performance, with Handysize activity quiet, Supramax maintaining a firm underlying tone, and Panamax supported by stronger fundamentals in both basins. The Atlantic remained broadly stable, supported by positional tightness in some regions, while the Pacific held steady despite lighter fixing. Period and voyage activity continued across segments, reflecting balanced supply and demand dynamics.
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.
