Weekly Freight Recap: 07/03/25
Mar 07, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: In the Atlantic, there were signs of a potential floor in some areas, but the overall sentiment remained flat. A two-tiered market seemed to be developing, with U.S. business commanding a premium over non-U.S. trades due to ongoing trade concerns. South America presented a mixed picture, as March cargoes continued to be discounted while April positions remained untested. Activity remained sluggish, particularly in the latter half of the month, as the growing supply of available vessels weighed on rates.
Pacific: The market struggled with persistent downward pressure. Limited grain demand and reports of canceled Indonesian shipments due to price volatility dampened sentiment. Australian coal cargoes provided some volume, but this was not enough to shift the broader trend. Fresh demand remained scarce, and rates continued to drift lower with little immediate upside expected.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: In the Atlantic, the market showed little change, with the U.S. Gulf and South America remaining quiet. The Continent and Mediterranean regions also struggled to generate new activity. While some period fixtures were rumored, there was little fresh inquiry, and rates remained under pressure.
Pacific: The market saw some isolated fixtures, but overall demand remained subdued. Cargo availability was limited, and rates faced continued pressure. Some longer-term interest emerged, but this did little to shift the overall outlook, which remained cautious.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: Activity remained slow, particularly in the U.S. Gulf and South America, where fresh inquiries were scarce. The Continent and Mediterranean regions showed little movement, and vessel availability continued to outpace demand, keeping rates under pressure.
Pacific: Conditions were more stable, with Southeast Asia showing some improvement. A more balanced demand-supply situation supported sentiment, and fixing levels in some areas improved compared to previous weeks. However, overall momentum remained limited, and market participants continued to take a cautious approach.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
20/11/25
Nov 20, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a steady but uneven performance, with Handysize activity quiet, Supramax maintaining a firm underlying tone, and Panamax supported by stronger fundamentals in both basins. The Atlantic remained broadly stable, supported by positional tightness in some regions, while the Pacific held steady despite lighter fixing. Period and voyage activity continued across segments, reflecting balanced supply and demand dynamics.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
10-14/11/25 Agri
Nov 17, 2025
Grain markets firmed at the start of the week as headlines about a possible end to the U.S. government shutdown lifted CBOT futures, while European wheat lagged and improved EU export competitiveness. Market participants noted that, without fresh supportive catalysts, the rally might prove short-lived. Average trade estimates placed U.S. corn and soybean harvests at 92% and 96% complete, with winter wheat 95% planted and 52% good/excellent, though official USDA data remained unavailable due to the shutdown.
Egypt’s state buyer Mostakbal Misr was reported to have bought around 500k tons of wheat for late December–January delivery, including roughly 200k tons from Russia. Russian 12.5% FOB wheat closed last week at $232/t, slightly up on the week. Brazil’s 25/26 corn crop was forecast by Safras at 143.6 mmt, well above USDA’s September estimate. U.S. export inspections showed solid corn and soybean volumes but cumulative soybean loadings remained 6.4 mmt behind last year.
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.
