Weekly Freight Recap: 16/01/25
Jan 16, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic market faced persistent challenges with limited demand from South America and an oversupply of tonnage. Northern regions saw fixtures concluded at discounted levels due to scarce activity, while grain trades struggled to hold steady. Ballaster positions remained under pressure, reflecting subdued sentiment.
Pacific: The Pacific market offered slightly more activity on longer routes, particularly NoPac runs, but shorter voyages faced significant rate pressure. Grain trades in the East provided some support, but overall, the market remained weak due to oversupply. Recovery is unlikely before increased coal trades and South American soybean exports boost activity.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: Weak demand and abundant tonnage supply kept rates under pressure across the region. The US Gulf showed signs of stabilizing for transatlantic runs, but the Continent and Mediterranean markets remained quiet. Slight improvements in the South Atlantic were insufficient to balance the market.
Pacific: Soft demand and a growing tonnage list dominated, with owners adjusting expectations amid limited fresh cargo availability. Charterers continued to hold the upper hand across the basin. HANDYSIZE Atlantic: Activity was sparse across the US Gulf, South Atlantic, and Mediterranean regions, where excessive tonnage weighed heavily on sentiment.
Pacific: The market stayed under pressure, with Southeast Asia seeing a buildup of tonnage and limited demand. Rates remained weak with no signs of imminent recovery.
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.
