Weekly Freight Recap: 31/10/24
Oct 31, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market held a mixed tone this week. North Atlantic grain trades maintained a premium, though overall improvements were limited by static fronthaul activity. East Coast South America faced significant tonnage oversupply, pushing rates lower for November liftings. Without new demand, rates are likely to remain steady or slightly under pressure, especially in the South Atlantic.
Pacific: In Asia, muted demand and cautious sentiment were the norms. While some talk suggested a floor in certain routes, limited trades kept rates mostly soft. Upcoming seasonal coal demand could boost activity, but with sluggish conditions likely for the next two weeks, a solid rebound remains uncertain.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: In the Atlantic, a slow market continued for Supramax, though there was some activity in the Continent and Mediterranean regions. The US Gulf and South Atlantic remained subdued, with high tonnage availability contributing to a negative outlook. Market fundamentals were stronger in the US Gulf, providing limited support amid a quieter week overall.
Pacific: In Asia, Supramax demand continued to weaken, leading to downward rate pressure as tonnage availability rose. While volumes picked up early in the week, sustained improvement was lacking, keeping rates generally stable but subdued.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market was relatively quiet. In the Continent and Mediterranean, scrap orders provided some activity, but overall fixing details were limited. Fundamentals in the US Gulf and South Atlantic stayed strong, giving a slight lift to market sentiment, though no major changes in fixtures surfaced.
Pacific: In the Pacific, conditions were challenging due to increasing tonnage and limited cargo availability, leading to further declines in rates. Despite the lack of activity, the market remains somewhat steady, with a mix of positional sentiment and cautious optimism.
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.
