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
Freight
Freight Recap:
6/11/25
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.
Freight
Freight Recap:
30/10/25
Oct 30, 2025
Freight markets continued to ease across the board this week, with Panamax, Supramax, and Handysize segments all facing renewed pressure. Sentiment turned cautious as limited fresh demand and increasing tonnage lists in both basins weighed on rates, suggesting that the short-lived rally in mid-October may have topped out.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
20-24/10/25 Agri
Oct 27, 2025
Grain markets experienced a volatile but directionally mixed week, driven by optimism surrounding renewed US–China trade talks, fluctuating macro sentiment, and shifting global production estimates. Soybeans led early in the week, supported by trade optimism and strong export inspections, while wheat and corn were more restrained, pressured by abundant supply outlooks and mixed demand signals.
Monday began on a firm note, particularly for soybeans, which rallied sharply on upbeat remarks from President Trump about a potential trade deal with China. The oilseed market gained double digits amid rising hopes of resumed Chinese purchases. Wheat and corn, by contrast, traded mixed, with bearish pressure from improved Russian and Australian wheat crop outlooks limiting upside. IKAR raised Russia’s 2025 wheat forecast to 88.0 mmt and Australia’s harvest was seen near 36 mmt—its third largest on record. Still, lower prices encouraged demand, with Algeria issuing a December wheat tender.
