Weekly Freight Recap: 23/01/25
Jan 23, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic market remained sluggish with limited fresh demand and an oversupply of tonnage. Transatlantic and fronthaul routes saw muted activity, and rates continued to soften. South American volumes offered some promise but failed to impact rates meaningfully, while the US Gulf remained quiet.
Pacific: The Pacific market weakened further, with long tonnage lists and softening demand weighing on sentiment. NoPac grain activity slowed, and Australian and Indonesian trades struggled at low levels. Limited optimism exists for recovery before mid-February.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: Weak demand and abundant tonnage supply kept pressure on rates across the region. The US Gulf, Mediterranean, and South Atlantic markets showed minimal activity, with little improvement in sight.
Pacific: The Pacific market faced high vessel availability and subdued demand, with little pre-Chinese New Year activity. Owners adjusted expectations downward amid scarce fresh cargo opportunities.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: Activity in the Atlantic remained limited, with an oversupply of tonnage weighing on sentiment. The US Gulf, South Atlantic, and Mediterranean markets offered few opportunities.
Pacific: The Pacific market struggled with growing vessel lists and weak demand, particularly in Southeast Asia. Rates remained under pressure with no signs of 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.
