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
Freight
Freight Recap:
29/05/25
May 29, 2025
The Atlantic market struggled with weak sentiment throughout the week. Following recent holidays, demand remained soft and fresh cargoes were limited, particularly in the North. In the South, while some fixing activity was noted, oversupply of ships continued to weigh heavily on rates. Owners faced increasing pressure as charterers held firm, and some vessels were reported fixing below last done.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
19-23/5/25 Agri
May 26, 2025
Grain markets exhibited volatility throughout Week 21, with wheat prices leading a mid-week rally before easing slightly into the weekend. Early in the week, MATIF milling wheat weakened in response to Saudi Arabia’s tender, which confirmed continued preference for competitively priced Black Sea wheat. Meanwhile, CBOT futures found strength, buoyed by a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets after a brief dip following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. U.S. corn inspections came in strong, and planting progress remained well ahead of the five-year average, though winter wheat conditions unexpectedly declined. On the geopolitical front, markets briefly reacted to the news of prospective ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, although subsequent clarifications tempered expectations.
Freight
Freight Recap:
21/05/25
May 21, 2025
The Handysize segment saw mild gains in most Atlantic regions. The Continent and Mediterranean moved slightly higher, while the US Gulf and South Atlantic markets remained balanced, helped by steady cargo flows and tighter prompt tonnage. Sentiment was stable to slightly firmer across the basin.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
12-16/5/25 Agri
May 19, 2025
Monday kicked off with a flurry of major developments. The USDA’s first 2025/26 crop year projections revealed tighter-than-expected corn and soybean ending stocks, lifting those markets, though wheat futures lagged on a more bearish supply outlook. Meanwhile, U.S.-China trade optimism resurfaced after both sides agreed to a 90-day mutual tariff rollback, triggering gains in soybeans and financial markets. U.S. crop planting made notable headway, while winter wheat ratings improved by three points to 54% good to excellent.
