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:
2/10/25
Oct 02, 2025
The dry bulk market displayed mixed conditions, with Handysize maintaining its upward momentum, Supramax undergoing further corrections, and Panamax continuing to weaken across both basins. Atlantic activity showed some resilience in smaller segments, while Asia was muted due to regional holidays. Broader sentiment in larger segments remained under pressure, influenced by excess tonnage and soft FFA signals.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
22-26/09/25 Agri
Sep 29, 2025
Grain markets opened the week under pressure after Argentina suspended export taxes on soy, corn, wheat, and by-products. The move sparked expectations of aggressive short-term sales, sending Chicago wheat to fresh contract lows and weighing on soybeans and soy products. MATIF wheat held just above recent lows ahead of Algeria’s tender, though sentiment remained weak as U.S. futures fell again and the euro strengthened to 1.18. U.S. inspections showed lighter soybean and corn volumes, while wheat topped expectations. Crop progress confirmed steady harvest advances but slight condition declines, with winter wheat planting just behind forecasts.
Freight
Freight Recap:
25/09/25
Sep 25, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a split tone. Handysize remained constructive on selective strength, Supramax was steady-to-softer with Atlantic support offset by Pacific pressure, and Panamax firmed on the day with more activity in both basins.
