Weekly Freight Recap: 12/12/24
Dec 12, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic Panamax market saw mixed developments, with slight improvements in tonnage balance providing some stability. Transatlantic routes showed marginal gains due to steady demand and tighter tonnage lists, while fronthaul trips faced pressure from limited fresh inquiries and competitive rate-cutting among owners. The South American grain season remains slow, but vessel demand is expected to pick up in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the US grain season has peaked, leading to a notable drop in activity.
Pacific: The Pacific market continued to face challenges, as record-high coal inventories in China, combined with unseasonably warm weather, dampened coal demand. Limited replenishment from key origins added to the strain, leaving the basin oversupplied. Early-week signs of stability faded as rates remained under pressure, and overall sentiment stayed muted due to cautious activity across the board.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market saw increased cargo volumes but remained weighed down by an abundance of tonnage, causing rates to stay below previous levels. The South Atlantic exhibited some positive sentiment, with mineral cargoes supporting activity, but the Continent-Mediterranean and US Gulf markets continued to struggle with low demand and high vessel availability. As the festive season approaches, owners and traders are expected to finalize positions, potentially leaving leftover volumes in the market.
Pacific: In the Pacific, steady flows of Indonesia-India and Indonesia-China coal shipments kept activity moving, but low volumes in other areas like the WC India-MEG region limited broader improvements. Prompt tonnage availability continued to rise, and sentiment remained subdued. Period market activity was minimal, with only a few reported fixtures.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market faced ongoing challenges, with the Continent-Mediterranean weighed down by high vessel availability and limited opportunities. The South Atlantic saw little change, with tonnage supply putting downward pressure on rates. The US Gulf remained slow, with weak sentiment and limited fixing activity. Charterers often bid below previously agreed levels, further restraining any recovery.
Pacific: In Asia, negative sentiment persisted, driven by growing tonnage availability and limited fresh inquiries. Rates remained under pressure with no significant improvement in sight. Fixing activity was sparse, reflecting broader market caution.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
11-15/08/25 Agri
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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
