Weekly Freight Recap: 06/02/25
Feb 06, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: Strong demand from South America pushed rates higher, with fronthaul routes tightening tonnage. The market remained firm for February-March arrivals, though long-term gains may be capped by weaker coal demand and slower economic growth.
Pacific: Steady grain shipments from North Pacific and improved coal and mineral volumes from Indonesia supported rates. Market sentiment remained positive, but sustained strength will depend on consistent cargo flows.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The market showed signs of recovery, particularly in the U.S. Gulf and South Atlantic. More cargo emerged, but the Continent-Mediterranean remained weak and needed fresh demand to push rates higher.
Pacific: Rates improved post-Lunar New Year, with increased activity in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. Period interest picked up, especially in the Supra/Ultra segments, keeping sentiment positive.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The West Mediterranean showed improved cargo flow, while the East remained sluggish. The U.S. Gulf market stayed stable, and the South Atlantic saw some positional gains but remained flat overall.
Pacific: The North China market saw tight tonnage, leading to stronger bids. Southeast Asia showed more activity, though some routes lacked fresh cargo. Overall, market sentiment improved slightly.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
9-13/6/25 Agri
Jun 16, 2025
Grain markets were pulled in opposing directions throughout Week 24, as favorable crop prospects, geopolitical shocks, and U.S. policy developments generated volatile trading. The week opened with a sharp sell-off in corn and wheat, as improved U.S. crop conditions and benign weather forecasts reinforced expectations of ample supplies. Corn and wheat both fell more than 2% on Monday, effectively wiping out prior gains. U.S. crop ratings surprised to the upside, with corn at 71% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. Concurrently, stronger forecasts for Russian and Romanian wheat harvests added further pressure, while China’s surging soybean imports – largely sourced from Brazil – highlighted its continued pivot away from U.S. origin.
Freight
Freight Recap:
12/06/25
Jun 12, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market strengthened further, particularly in the North where limited tonnage availability led owners to raise offers.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
2-6/6/25 Agri
Jun 09, 2025
Grain markets opened June on a mixed footing, with wheat futures initially rallying on renewed geopolitical fears following escalations between Ukraine and Russia. However, the rally soon fizzled as U.S. crop progress data turned sentiment more bearish. Spring and winter wheat condition ratings exceeded expectations, with plantings and harvests advancing steadily. Meanwhile, USDA export inspections showed strong corn loadings, but soybeans and wheat lagged.
Freight
Freight Recap:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
