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
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
08-12/12/25 Agri
Dec 15, 2025
CBOT markets finished lower ahead of Tuesday’s WASDE, which was widely expected to lack bullish surprises. MATIF wheat was the exception, posting small gains. Russian 12.5% protein wheat FOB for January delivery edged up by $0.5 w/w to $227.5/t, according to IKAR. Geopolitical headlines remained in focus after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said US-brokered peace talks remain stalled over security guarantees and control of eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas.
Freight
Freight Recap:
11/12/25
Dec 11, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
01-05/12/25 Agri
Dec 08, 2025
USDA announced no new flash sales, disappointing soybean markets. Weekly export sales remain delayed and have not yet reached the period covering the US–China trade deal, leaving the true pace of buying uncertain. CBOT corn and wheat eased, while March MATIF wheat posted small gains after finding support at intraday contract lows. ABARES raised Australia’s 2025/26 wheat, barley, and canola output, though the increases were broadly in line with expectations. Algeria’s OAIC issued a soft wheat tender for February shipment, and Russian wheat prices slipped again, with 12.5% FOB for January at $227/t.
Freight
Freight Recap:
04/12/25
Dec 04, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a generally mixed performance, with Handysize remaining supported in the Atlantic, Supramax showing uneven movement across regions, and Panamax continuing its correction as rising vessel supply weighed on sentiment. Atlantic dynamics were split between firmer US Gulf/US East Coast activity in the smaller segments and softer conditions for Panamax. In the Pacific, muted enquiry and longer lists contributed to a softer tone, especially in NoPac, though isolated strength persisted in Australian coal.
