Weekly Freight Recap: 13/03/25
Mar 13, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: 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.
Pacific: The Pacific market, though less bullish than the Atlantic, continued to rally. NoPac demand remained stable, and Indonesian shipments to India provided additional support. Australian coal cargoes also contributed to positive sentiment, encouraging owners to stay local rather than ballast to the Atlantic. Period activity remained firm, with multiple fixtures reported at healthy levels. With April premiums inflating in the South, the near-term outlook remains positive, though momentum will largely depend on sustained grain flows from ECSA and stable Pacific cargo demand.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Supramax market experienced limited fresh enquiry, with a balanced South Atlantic and a slow-moving North Atlantic. While some improvements were noted in the U.S. Gulf, owners faced continued resistance from charterers. South Africa remained firm as ballasters were absorbed for ECSA rounds, driven by ample cargo availability for late March and early April. The overall market maintained a cautious tone, with only slight fluctuations in the 11TC average.
Pacific: Market sentiment remained uncertain due to fluctuating Indonesian coal prices and an abundant supply of prompt tonnage. However, signs of a potential floor emerged, with owners hardening their expectations. Some stronger fixtures were reported, including trips from South Kalimantan and East Kalimantan, suggesting isolated improvements. Period activity was limited, and rates continued to move sideways overall, with brokers maintaining a positional stance in anticipation of potential demand shifts.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handy market remained relatively quiet, though the Continent and Mediterranean regions provided some support with a slight uptick in rates. The South Atlantic and U.S. Gulf markets, however, saw minimal movement, with rates remaining stable. Few fresh inquiries were reported, keeping overall sentiment muted.
Pacific: Activity in the Pacific was subdued, though sentiment stayed slightly positive. The region maintained stability, with minor rate increases in some areas. A few fixtures emerged, including trips from Samalaju and Adelaide, but overall movement remained limited. The period market saw some engagement, with a Rotterdam-based vessel securing a six-to-eight-month deal at a modest premium to the BHSI. Despite the slow pace, steady fundamentals in the region helped maintain cautious optimism.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
29/05/25
May 29, 2025
The Atlantic market struggled with weak sentiment throughout the week. Following recent holidays, demand remained soft and fresh cargoes were limited, particularly in the North. In the South, while some fixing activity was noted, oversupply of ships continued to weigh heavily on rates. Owners faced increasing pressure as charterers held firm, and some vessels were reported fixing below last done.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
19-23/5/25 Agri
May 26, 2025
Grain markets exhibited volatility throughout Week 21, with wheat prices leading a mid-week rally before easing slightly into the weekend. Early in the week, MATIF milling wheat weakened in response to Saudi Arabia’s tender, which confirmed continued preference for competitively priced Black Sea wheat. Meanwhile, CBOT futures found strength, buoyed by a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets after a brief dip following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. U.S. corn inspections came in strong, and planting progress remained well ahead of the five-year average, though winter wheat conditions unexpectedly declined. On the geopolitical front, markets briefly reacted to the news of prospective ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, although subsequent clarifications tempered expectations.
Freight
Freight Recap:
21/05/25
May 21, 2025
The Handysize segment saw mild gains in most Atlantic regions. The Continent and Mediterranean moved slightly higher, while the US Gulf and South Atlantic markets remained balanced, helped by steady cargo flows and tighter prompt tonnage. Sentiment was stable to slightly firmer across the basin.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
12-16/5/25 Agri
May 19, 2025
Monday kicked off with a flurry of major developments. The USDA’s first 2025/26 crop year projections revealed tighter-than-expected corn and soybean ending stocks, lifting those markets, though wheat futures lagged on a more bearish supply outlook. Meanwhile, U.S.-China trade optimism resurfaced after both sides agreed to a 90-day mutual tariff rollback, triggering gains in soybeans and financial markets. U.S. crop planting made notable headway, while winter wheat ratings improved by three points to 54% good to excellent.
