Weekly Freight Recap: 14/11/24
Nov 14, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market showed signs of stability, especially in the North Atlantic, where demand for transatlantic routes remained steady, mainly supported by US Gulf grain and coal shipments. Reduced tonnage gave owners some leverage, despite limited fronthaul demand. Some Atlantic voyage fixtures achieved higher-than-previous time charter levels, with mixed views on further gains.
Pacific: In Asia, steady demand for North Pacific grain and Indonesian routes contributed to stable rates, with quality vessels securing premiums. Although the market sentiment was firmer, gains remained modest compared to the Atlantic. The period market also saw notable activity, with several vessels fixed on longer-term charters at stable rates.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market experienced rate declines across regions, with low cargo volumes in the US Gulf and Continent covered below previous levels due to high tonnage. Despite some activity in West Africa, limited fresh demand led to bearish sentiment. Overall, the lack of enquiry in the Mediterranean and ample available vessels exerted downward pressure on rates.
Pacific: In the Pacific, Indonesia-India coal routes saw rates fall below recent benchmarks, with ample tonnage and weak demand causing further softening. Asian brokers also reported decreased demand in northern routes, mirroring the overall downward trend in rates. Period activity remained low, reflecting subdued interest in the current market.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: Handysize sentiment stayed weak, driven by high tonnage and low activity in the US Gulf and South Atlantic, putting downward pressure on rates. Limited fresh demand in the Continent and Mediterranean kept rates slightly below last-done levels, especially for scrap cargoes, which saw some activity but no major rate improvements.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the market remained quiet, with limited fixing activity and lower bids from charterers. Demand in both North and Southeast Asia was minimal, leading to lower rates. The overall market outlook stayed soft, with continued downward pressure reflected in rate declines.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
18/12/25
Dec 18, 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:
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.
