Weekly Freight Recap: 09/01/25
Jan 09, 2025
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Atlantic market began with initial strength due to limited New Year tonnage, but rates flattened as more vessels entered the region. In the south, oversupply led to discounted rates, and forward fixing remained cautious. Spot vessels maintained premiums, but lack of fresh demand in the north and a long tonnage list saw rates ease, favoring charterers. EC South America faced additional pressure from long ballast lists and sub-index equivalent fixtures for early February.
Pacific: Weak sentiment dominated, with limited volumes ex-Indonesia and an oversupply of tonnage weighing on rates. NoPac grains and petcoke cargoes provided modest support, while Australian rounds lagged. Despite an uptick in activity ex-Australia, the tonnage list continued to outpace demand. Anticipation for February’s Brazilian soybean exports is building, but short-term prospects remain weak.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: Subdued activity across the Atlantic saw rates remain soft amid oversupply in the Continent-Mediterranean, South Atlantic, and US Gulf. While trans-Atlantic runs showed relative stability, limited fresh inquiries kept sentiment poor. The East Mediterranean also remained under pressure, with minimal signs of improvement ahead of the holidays.
Pacific: Limited demand from Indonesia and Australia, coupled with a long tonnage list, kept rates under pressure. Fixtures for trips from North China with steels and other cargoes reflected muted sentiment. Slight positional strength appeared in some cases, but overall, the market lacked momentum, and rates continued to drift lower.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Continent and Mediterranean markets faced weak demand and a long tonnage list, with rates reflecting soft conditions. In the South Atlantic, pre-holiday coverage provided minor activity, but weak fundamentals persisted. The US Gulf also saw limited fresh fixing opportunities, contributing to an overall quiet market.
Pacific: Activity showed a slight uptick, but an oversupply of vessels weighed on rates. Charterers held back, forcing owners to reduce offers to secure fixtures. While some stability appeared in the cargo book, rates remained under pressure with no immediate signs of a rebound.
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.
