Weekly Freight Recap: 05/12/24
Dec 05, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic market faced persistent challenges, with limited grain and coal demand, an oversupply of tonnage, and a lack of fresh cargo keeping rates subdued. Some support came from South African coal activity, but overall tonnage imbalances continued to pressure owners. Rates in ECSA held relatively stable as South Africa absorbed some spot vessels, but charterers still managed to secure lower bids, leaving owners struggling to maintain previous levels.
Pacific: In the Pacific, the market saw no significant improvement despite steady Indonesian coal demand and occasional activity from Australian cargoes. High vessel availability kept rates under pressure, while bid-offer spreads widened. The market remained stagnant, with little sign of recovery in the near term.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax market saw slow activity, with weak demand and longer vessel lists weighing on sentiment. The South Atlantic showed a more balanced outlook, while the US Gulf rates appeared to stabilize after consistent declines. However, the Continent and Mediterranean remained sluggish due to insufficient interest and high vessel availability, putting further pressure on rates.
Pacific: The Pacific market was similarly quiet, with limited fresh inquiries and rising tonnage counts. Despite some demand from the Indian Ocean and sporadic cargo movements, the market struggled to gain momentum. As the festive season approaches, activity is expected to remain muted, with rates under continued pressure.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market continued to experience weak fundamentals, with insufficient demand and slow activity across the Continent, Mediterranean, and South Atlantic. A lack of clean cargoes and limited eastbound trips from the Black Sea caused further rate declines. The US Gulf market remained subdued with little fixing activity and no significant changes in sentiment.
Pacific: In Asia, despite an increase in available tonnage, the limited fresh demand helped stabilize rates at current levels. However, without a meaningful rise in cargo volumes, rates remained stagnant, with no major shifts in market dynamics.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
18/04/25
Apr 18, 2025
The Atlantic market saw further pressure with rates declining across most routes. Despite some vessel movement toward South America on hopes of stronger grain activity, this has not translated into stronger sentiment. The region remains oversupplied, and charterers continue to dictate terms, keeping offers low and confidence weak.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
7/4- 11/4/25 Agri
Apr 15, 2025
Grain markets began the week relatively stable, despite heightened volatility in U.S. financial markets. The threat of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China remained a significant concern, as President Trump proposed additional tariffs on Chinese imports. In the grain markets, U.S. export inspections for soybeans and corn were strong, while wheat inspections fell short of expectations.
Freight
Freight Recap:
10/04/25
Apr 10, 2025
Atlantic: The market remained under pressure with falling rates driven by oversupply and limited fresh demand. While some activity was seen out of South America, it wasn’t enough to shift sentiment. Charterers maintained control, and offers remained far apart from bids, especially on transatlantic routes. Overall, market participants remained cautious, with attention also diverted by global financial uncertainty.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
31/3- 4/4/25 Agri
Apr 07, 2025
Grain markets kicked off the week digesting the USDA’s planting intentions report, which offered mild support to wheat and modest pressure on corn. However, corn still managed to finish higher for the old crop, while soybeans slipped slightly. Export inspections showed strong performance for corn and solid showings for wheat and soybeans. Winter wheat conditions held steady in Kansas but declined in Texas and Oklahoma. Market attention began shifting toward President Trump’s anticipated tariff announcement, raising questions over potential trade fallout.
