Weekly Freight Recap: 15/05/25
May 15, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The North Atlantic saw further pressure this week as mineral fronthaul activity continued at discounted levels and transatlantic demand remained thin. Tonnage availability increased, widening the bid-offer spread and contributing to a downward drift in rates. In the South, earlier fixing activity gave way to broader market uncertainty, with charterers and owners struggling to align on current values, keeping rates flat and positional.
Pacific: The Pacific returned mixed signals. Improved activity out of Australia provided some optimism, but the weight of available vessels kept rates from firming. NoPac and Indonesia trades remained subdued, with differing views on real market value for longer rounds. As a result, owners struggled to gain traction, and sentiment stayed cautious across the region.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax market held a largely stable tone. The US Gulf remained the most resilient, with firm levels supported by steady demand, although actual fixing remained limited. The South Atlantic appeared balanced, while the Continent and East Mediterranean continued to lag behind due to a lack of new cargoes and downward rate pressure. Pacific: In Asia, the market continued to soften amid limited fresh inquiry and increasing prompt tonnage. Southeast Asia and Indonesia lacked volume to support rates, while the Indian Ocean held firmer ground with active coal demand from South Africa. Fixing was thin overall, and owners remained defensive, with rate ideas broadly under pressure across the region.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handysize Atlantic market remained quiet, with the Continent and Mediterranean holding flat around last done levels. The South Atlantic showed little movement but was considered balanced, while the US Gulf continued to soften with limited demand and weakening sentiment.
Pacific: The Pacific market was similarly subdued, with a longer tonnage list and a thin cargo book keeping rates under pressure. Southeast Asia and the Arabian Gulf remained quiet, with few fixtures reported. Owners faced slow momentum and limited options, reflecting a market still struggling to find direction.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
9-13/6/25 Agri
Jun 16, 2025
Grain markets were pulled in opposing directions throughout Week 24, as favorable crop prospects, geopolitical shocks, and U.S. policy developments generated volatile trading. The week opened with a sharp sell-off in corn and wheat, as improved U.S. crop conditions and benign weather forecasts reinforced expectations of ample supplies. Corn and wheat both fell more than 2% on Monday, effectively wiping out prior gains. U.S. crop ratings surprised to the upside, with corn at 71% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. Concurrently, stronger forecasts for Russian and Romanian wheat harvests added further pressure, while China’s surging soybean imports – largely sourced from Brazil – highlighted its continued pivot away from U.S. origin.
Freight
Freight Recap:
12/06/25
Jun 12, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market strengthened further, particularly in the North where limited tonnage availability led owners to raise offers.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
2-6/6/25 Agri
Jun 09, 2025
Grain markets opened June on a mixed footing, with wheat futures initially rallying on renewed geopolitical fears following escalations between Ukraine and Russia. However, the rally soon fizzled as U.S. crop progress data turned sentiment more bearish. Spring and winter wheat condition ratings exceeded expectations, with plantings and harvests advancing steadily. Meanwhile, USDA export inspections showed strong corn loadings, but soybeans and wheat lagged.
Freight
Freight Recap:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
