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:
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.
Freight
Freight Recap:
06/11/25
Nov 06, 2025
The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
