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:
03/07/25
Jul 03, 2025
The Panamax market held broadly steady this week, though signs of softening began to emerge toward the close, particularly in areas where prompt tonnage began to outpace fresh demand. Across the Atlantic, sentiment remained mixed.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
23–27/06/25 Agri
Jun 30, 2025
The week opened with a sharp pullback across grain markets as the geopolitical risk premium evaporated following U.S. President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. While the truce remained fragile—lacking official confirmation from Israel—market sentiment quickly pivoted back to fundamentals. Pressure mounted as U.S. crop conditions were mixed and EU wheat yield projections were revised higher, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. U.S. export inspections provided little optimism, with soybeans and wheat underperforming, and fund positioning indicated heavy corn selling alongside increased soybean buying.
Freight
Freight Recap:
26/06/25
Jun 19, 2025
The Panamax market continued to show resilience this week, holding around the USD 12,800/day level on the 5TC index. Gains were seen across both basins, driven by steady demand and tightening tonnage in key loading areas.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
16–20/06/25 Agri
Jun 23, 2025
Monday opened with wheat and corn giving back gains from the prior session, pressured by generally favorable U.S. crop outlooks. Corn conditions improved to 72% good-to-excellent (G/E), aligning with last year’s level, while soybean ratings declined to 66% G/E. Winter wheat condition unexpectedly slipped, and harvest progress remained significantly delayed. Export inspections showed continued strength for corn, while soybean oil surged on tighter-than-expected NOPA stocks. Geopolitics hovered in the background as Iran signaled a desire to avoid escalation with Israel, while Turkey offered to mediate talks.
