Weekly Freight Recap: 20/03/25

Mar 20, 2025

PANAMAX Atlantic: The market experienced a softer tone, with transatlantic activity losing momentum as increased vessel supply put downward pressure on rates. Fronthaul demand remained steady, driven by grain and coal shipments, though a buildup of tonnage in key loading areas introduced uncertainty. While fixtures continued at reasonable levels, charterers tested lower bids, leading to a more cautious sentiment overall.

Pacific: The region maintained a firmer tone, supported by ongoing demand for North Pacific grain shipments. However, a growing number of available vessels allowed charterers to push for lower rates, widening bid-offer gaps. While activity remained relatively steady, sentiment turned cautious as some operators hesitated to commit amid changing market conditions. Backhaul routes and longer voyages saw mixed interest, with limited fresh inquiries emerging toward the end of the period.

SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The U.S. Gulf continued to show resilience, particularly for transatlantic routes, though signs of a peak emerged as fewer fresh inquiries were reported. The South Atlantic remained steady, with some operators noting stable demand, while others expected a potential correction as more tonnage became available. Fixtures were concluded at consistent levels, though some charterers attempted to test slightly lower bids.

Pacific: After recent improvements, momentum in the north slowed as fresh interest declined, resulting in a more balanced market. Further south, Indonesian coal cargoes and Indian Ocean demand kept activity relatively stable, though resistance on rates started to emerge. Owners remained firm on offers, particularly on backhaul routes, while charterers explored options amid fluctuating sentiment.

HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Continent and Mediterranean regions saw small rate increases, supported by steady cargo demand and limited open tonnage. In the South Atlantic, rates remained largely stable, with no major shifts in fundamentals. The U.S. Gulf followed a similar pattern, with moderate activity keeping the market balanced but lacking significant upward momentum.

Pacific: The market remained subdued, as rising tonnage availability in Southeast Asia and the North Pacific limited rate improvements. Some charterers showed willingness to bid slightly higher, helping to maintain a degree of optimism among owners. Steel shipments and fertilizer cargoes provided consistent employment opportunities, though the overall pace of activity slowed as the week progressed.

Weekly Recaps

Commodities

Agri- Commodities:
11-15/08/25 Agri

Aug 18, 2025

Grain markets experienced another volatile week as political developments, trade disputes, and bearish USDA data drove sentiment. Early in the week, soybeans surged on speculation that Chinese buying might resume following Donald Trump’s extension of tariff pauses, but corn and wheat failed to follow. Export inspections painted a mixed picture, with corn and soybeans performing well while wheat lagged. The USDA’s August WASDE loomed large over the market, with traders bracing for higher yield estimates.

Freight

Freight Recap:
14/08/25

Aug 14, 2025

The dry bulk market presented a mixed performance this week, with the Supramax segment edging higher, Handysize holding steady with minor gains, and Panamax showing a regional split — weaker in the Atlantic, firmer in the Pacific.

Commodities

Agri- Commodities:
04–08/08/25 Agri

Aug 11, 2025

Grain markets swung sharply this week, rebounding midweek before easing, driven by yield outlooks, export data, and geopolitical headlines.

Freight

Freight Recap:
7/08/25

Aug 07, 2025

Port of Callao halted operations after an Evergreen ship lost 50 containers during rough weather. Meanwhile, July's freight data shows the market stuck in a supply-heavy “holding pattern,” with capacity expanding but pricing rising faster — suggesting a slow, uneven recovery in logistics and transportation

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