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:
11-15/08/25 Agri
Aug 18, 2025
Grain markets experienced another volatile week as political developments, trade disputes, and bearish USDA data drove sentiment. Early in the week, soybeans surged on speculation that Chinese buying might resume following Donald Trump’s extension of tariff pauses, but corn and wheat failed to follow. Export inspections painted a mixed picture, with corn and soybeans performing well while wheat lagged. The USDA’s August WASDE loomed large over the market, with traders bracing for higher yield estimates.
Freight
Freight Recap:
14/08/25
Aug 14, 2025
The dry bulk market presented a mixed performance this week, with the Supramax segment edging higher, Handysize holding steady with minor gains, and Panamax showing a regional split — weaker in the Atlantic, firmer in the Pacific.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
04–08/08/25 Agri
Aug 11, 2025
Grain markets swung sharply this week, rebounding midweek before easing, driven by yield outlooks, export data, and geopolitical headlines.
Freight
Freight Recap:
7/08/25
Aug 07, 2025
Port of Callao halted operations after an Evergreen ship lost 50 containers during rough weather. Meanwhile, July's freight data shows the market stuck in a supply-heavy “holding pattern,” with capacity expanding but pricing rising faster — suggesting a slow, uneven recovery in logistics and transportation
