Weekly Freight Recap: 27/02/25
Feb 27, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Panamax market faced downward pressure, with a lack of fresh inquiries in the North Atlantic and softer conditions in the South Atlantic. Tonnage availability increased due to reduced demand, particularly for fronthaul cargoes. Some owners sought to resist lower rates, but the overall sentiment remained weak, with limited fixtures reported.
Pacific: The Pacific market also softened as coal and grain volumes eased, while some cargoes shifted to larger vessels. Owners faced pressure to adjust offers downward, but charterers held back, expecting further corrections. Market activity remained subdued, with only a few fixtures emerging.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Supramax market saw mixed conditions. The Mediterranean and Continent regions showed steady demand, while the US Gulf remained stable but lacked fresh momentum. The South Atlantic continued to balance between supply and demand, with owners trying to hold onto gains despite some downward pressure.
Pacific: The Pacific market remained firm, although sentiment appeared to be leveling off. Limited fresh inquiries in the Indian Ocean region kept rates stable, while Southeast Asia maintained healthy levels of demand. Period interest persisted, but confirmed fixtures were scarce.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handysize market maintained a steady pace, with the Continent and Mediterranean seeing gradual improvements. The South Atlantic remained active, although bid-offer spreads were flat. The US Gulf held stable, with market fundamentals unchanged from previous levels.
Pacific: The Pacific market showed mixed signals. While demand in North Asia slightly weakened, Southeast China experienced a modest rise in tonnage availability. Some fixtures were concluded at stable levels, but overall sentiment remained uncertain.
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.
