Weekly Freight Recap: 30/01/25
Jan 30, 2025
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market continued to struggle, with limited fresh demand across the region. The North Atlantic saw some fronthaul inquiries, but these had little impact on overall sentiment. The South Atlantic remained under pressure, with a slight indication of stabilization for P6 index dates, though nearby positions continued to weaken. Rates for trans-Atlantic trades remained subdued as tonnage availability exceeded requirements, leading to further rate softening.
Pacific: The Pacific market was notably quiet due to the Lunar New Year, with minimal activity and very few fixtures reported. The limited demand made it difficult to gauge market direction, though sentiment remained flat to negative. Longer rounds were bid well below index levels, and Indonesian cargoes showed little movement. With market fundamentals unchanged, further corrections were seen in the region.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market saw another slow week, with the South Atlantic continuing to face downward pressure due to high tonnage availability. Some players felt that the US Gulf market had found a temporary floor, but the lack of fresh activity made this difficult to confirm. In the Mediterranean and Continent, limited enquiry meant rates remained under pressure, with owners struggling to find suitable employment at last done levels.
Pacific: The Asian market remained quiet with the Lunar New Year celebrations keeping activity at a minimum. With very little fresh enquiry emerging, rates continued to drift lower, mirroring the sluggish demand in the Atlantic. Cargo volumes from Southeast Asia and Australia remained low, contributing to a lack of momentum in the basin.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market remained subdued, with soft sentiment persisting across both basins. In the Continent and Mediterranean, there was some sporadic fixing, but not enough to shift overall market levels. The US Gulf and South Atlantic saw a few fresh inquiries, but the excess tonnage in the region prevented any meaningful rate improvement. Rates remained under pressure, with some fixtures reported below last done levels.
Pacific: As expected, the Asian market had a very quiet week due to Chinese New Year, with fundamentals remaining unchanged. Market participation was extremely limited, and rates continued to reflect weak demand. With many players still away, there was little expectation of a near-term improvement in sentiment, leaving the basin in a stagnant state.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
13/11/25
Nov 13, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a mixed performance, with Handysize activity remaining limited, Supramax maintaining firmer sentiment, and Panamax extending its gains on stronger fundamentals. The Atlantic generally held a positive tone across most segments, while the Pacific remained steady but slower, with Asian Handysize and Supramax markets facing softer enquiry and longer tonnage lists. Period interest persisted in both Supramax and Panamax sectors, supported by balanced fundamentals and improving demand signals.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
03-07/11/25 Agri
Nov 10, 2025
Soybeans extended their rally on expectations of accelerating Chinese demand, while rumors of U.S. wheat sales to China lifted Chicago futures. Corn stayed firm after StoneX raised its U.S. yield estimate to 186.0 bu/acre, though many still expect revisions lower in upcoming reports. Harvest progress reached 91% for soybeans and 83% for corn, with winter wheat planting nearly complete at 91%.
Export inspections totaled 965k t of soybeans, 1.67 mmt of corn, and 350k t of wheat—broadly in line with expectations. Despite easing trade tensions, Chinese importers continued booking cheaper Brazilian soybeans, reportedly 20 cargoes for December through mid-2026. Kazakhstan’s agriculture ministry reported a 27.1 mmt total harvest, including 20.3 mmt of wheat, far above USDA’s 16 mmt estimate.
Freight
Freight Recap:
06/11/25
Nov 06, 2025
The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
