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:
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.
