Weekly Freight Recap: 28/02/25
Feb 28, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Panamax market maintained its positive momentum, following typical seasonal trends. The North Atlantic remained steady, with limited vessel availability supporting owners’ expectations. In contrast, the South Atlantic saw a more dynamic market, with increasing demand driving improved sentiment and stronger negotiations.
Pacific: The Pacific market experienced further gains, supported by a tight balance between vessel supply and demand. Grain and mineral cargoes continued to see healthy interest, contributing to the firming market. Future sentiment remains optimistic, with expectations of further strengthening as the month progresses. Period activity also saw increased interest, reflecting confidence in market conditions.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax sector remained active, although some signs of stabilization appeared in the US Gulf as fresh inquiries slowed. The Mediterranean market held steady, while the South Atlantic remained balanced with a mix of opportunities. Fixture activity continued, with vessels securing steady employment for regional and long-haul trades.
Pacific: Asia continued its upward trend, with strong demand supporting higher rates. An increase in backhaul business further contributed to market stability, while period interest remained firm. The regional market remained competitive, with charterers actively pursuing available tonnage.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handysize market remained firm across the Atlantic, with steady demand in both the North and South. The US Gulf and South Atlantic continued to see stable activity, while the Continent and Mediterranean recorded slight improvements. Owners maintained confidence in rate levels, leading to firm negotiations.
Pacific: The Pacific market saw increased activity, particularly in North China and Southeast Asia, where vessel supply tightened. Spot demand remained healthy, supporting firmer levels. There was also a rise in interest for period employment, indicating stable longer-term market expectations.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
10-14/3/25 AGRI
Mar 17, 2025
U.S. wheat futures opened the week on a strong note, led by Kansas wheat, as traders reacted to deteriorating crop conditions in key HRW states. The rally coincided with Algeria’s milling wheat tender, though MATIF wheat showed a more hesitant response. Meanwhile, soybeans faced pressure as China’s tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods took effect. Export inspections indicated solid corn shipments but disappointing wheat figures. India projected record wheat production at 115.3 million metric tons, signaling ample supply ahead.
Freight
Freight Recap:
13/03/25
Mar 13, 2025
The Panamax market saw further gains, supported by increased Atlantic activity, particularly in trans-Atlantic business from the U.S. Fresh cargo flows and tightening vessel availability contributed to sizable rate improvements. In South America, activity picked up for March and April positions, reinforcing positive sentiment. Owners met improved bids with some resistance, further bolstering rates. While uncertainty persists regarding U.S. trade policy impacts, the expected second grain wave from ECSA added to market optimism.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
3-7/3/25 AGRI
Mar 11, 2025
The week opened with a continuation of last week’s bearish trend, as grain markets faced significant headwinds. Wheat was particularly weak due to an upward revision in Australia’s crop estimate. Market sentiment deteriorated further on confirmation that the U.S. has implemented tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada—25% on Canada and Mexico, and 20% on China. In response, China imposed retaliatory tariffs of 15% on key U.S. agricultural imports, including wheat, corn, and soybeans, effective March 10. Canada followed with 25% tariffs on U.S. goods worth $155 billion. Meanwhile, Russian wheat prices declined by $3 per ton to $248 FOB, adding to the bearish tone. Australian production estimates surged, with wheat up to 34.1 MMT (+31% y/y) and barley to 13.3 MMT (+23% y/y). Weekly U.S. export inspections showed solid corn movement at 1.35 MMT, while the USDA confirmed a 114k-ton corn sale to Mexico.
