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
Freight
Freight Recap:
13/11/25
Nov 13, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a mixed performance, with Handysize activity remaining limited, Supramax maintaining firmer sentiment, and Panamax extending its gains on stronger fundamentals. The Atlantic generally held a positive tone across most segments, while the Pacific remained steady but slower, with Asian Handysize and Supramax markets facing softer enquiry and longer tonnage lists. Period interest persisted in both Supramax and Panamax sectors, supported by balanced fundamentals and improving demand signals.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
03-07/11/25 Agri
Nov 10, 2025
Soybeans extended their rally on expectations of accelerating Chinese demand, while rumors of U.S. wheat sales to China lifted Chicago futures. Corn stayed firm after StoneX raised its U.S. yield estimate to 186.0 bu/acre, though many still expect revisions lower in upcoming reports. Harvest progress reached 91% for soybeans and 83% for corn, with winter wheat planting nearly complete at 91%.
Export inspections totaled 965k t of soybeans, 1.67 mmt of corn, and 350k t of wheat—broadly in line with expectations. Despite easing trade tensions, Chinese importers continued booking cheaper Brazilian soybeans, reportedly 20 cargoes for December through mid-2026. Kazakhstan’s agriculture ministry reported a 27.1 mmt total harvest, including 20.3 mmt of wheat, far above USDA’s 16 mmt estimate.
Freight
Freight Recap:
06/11/25
Nov 06, 2025
The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
