Weekly Freight Recap: 13/02/25
Feb 13, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The market remained under pressure with weak demand and an oversupply of tonnage, particularly in the North Atlantic. Limited fresh cargo made it difficult for owners to secure strong rates, with charterers holding the upper hand in negotiations. In the South Atlantic, sentiment remained negative, with further corrections for forward positions, particularly for vessels ballasting to East Coast South America.
Pacific: The Pacific market showed some stability, supported by consistent demand from NoPac and Australia. However, overall sentiment was cautious, and rates remained under pressure amid broader market uncertainties. There was some improvement in Indonesian coal activity, which helped absorb tonnage, but fundamentals remained largely unchanged.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic market maintained positive momentum, with increasing interest in the US Gulf and stronger sentiment in the South Atlantic. However, fixing details were limited, and while the US Gulf remained firm, there were signs it might be leveling off. The Continent and Mediterranean markets remained balanced, with stable demand.
Pacific: The Asian market saw fresh activity, particularly in coal cargoes from Indonesia to India and China. Owners were able to push for slightly stronger rates as demand remained steady. The Indian Ocean remained positional, with some securing improved levels. Period interest increased, reflecting growing confidence in the market.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Atlantic market maintained positive momentum, with increasing interest in the US Gulf and stronger sentiment in the South Atlantic. However, fixing details were limited, and while the US Gulf remained firm, there were signs it might be leveling off. The Continent and Mediterranean markets remained balanced, with stable demand.
Pacific:The Asian market saw fresh activity, particularly in coal cargoes from Indonesia to India and China. Owners were able to push for slightly stronger rates as demand remained steady. The Indian Ocean remained positional, with some securing improved levels. Period interest increased, reflecting growing confidence in the market.
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.
