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
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.
Freight
Freight Recap:
04/12/25
Dec 04, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a generally mixed performance, with Handysize remaining supported in the Atlantic, Supramax showing uneven movement across regions, and Panamax continuing its correction as rising vessel supply weighed on sentiment. Atlantic dynamics were split between firmer US Gulf/US East Coast activity in the smaller segments and softer conditions for Panamax. In the Pacific, muted enquiry and longer lists contributed to a softer tone, especially in NoPac, though isolated strength persisted in Australian coal.
