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
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
23–27/06/25 Agri
Jun 30, 2025
The week opened with a sharp pullback across grain markets as the geopolitical risk premium evaporated following U.S. President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. While the truce remained fragile—lacking official confirmation from Israel—market sentiment quickly pivoted back to fundamentals. Pressure mounted as U.S. crop conditions were mixed and EU wheat yield projections were revised higher, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. U.S. export inspections provided little optimism, with soybeans and wheat underperforming, and fund positioning indicated heavy corn selling alongside increased soybean buying.
Freight
Freight Recap:
26/06/25
Jun 19, 2025
The Panamax market continued to show resilience this week, holding around the USD 12,800/day level on the 5TC index. Gains were seen across both basins, driven by steady demand and tightening tonnage in key loading areas.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
16–20/06/25 Agri
Jun 23, 2025
Monday opened with wheat and corn giving back gains from the prior session, pressured by generally favorable U.S. crop outlooks. Corn conditions improved to 72% good-to-excellent (G/E), aligning with last year’s level, while soybean ratings declined to 66% G/E. Winter wheat condition unexpectedly slipped, and harvest progress remained significantly delayed. Export inspections showed continued strength for corn, while soybean oil surged on tighter-than-expected NOPA stocks. Geopolitics hovered in the background as Iran signaled a desire to avoid escalation with Israel, while Turkey offered to mediate talks.
Freight
Freight Recap:
19/06/25
Jun 19, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of plateauing this week, with reduced spot activity prompting concerns of near-term softening. North Atlantic visibility remained limited, with owners and charterers continuing to disagree on rate expectations, leading to a widening bid-offer gap.
