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
Freight
Freight Recap:
20/11/25
Nov 20, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a steady but uneven performance, with Handysize activity quiet, Supramax maintaining a firm underlying tone, and Panamax supported by stronger fundamentals in both basins. The Atlantic remained broadly stable, supported by positional tightness in some regions, while the Pacific held steady despite lighter fixing. Period and voyage activity continued across segments, reflecting balanced supply and demand dynamics.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
10-14/11/25 Agri
Nov 17, 2025
Grain markets firmed at the start of the week as headlines about a possible end to the U.S. government shutdown lifted CBOT futures, while European wheat lagged and improved EU export competitiveness. Market participants noted that, without fresh supportive catalysts, the rally might prove short-lived. Average trade estimates placed U.S. corn and soybean harvests at 92% and 96% complete, with winter wheat 95% planted and 52% good/excellent, though official USDA data remained unavailable due to the shutdown.
Egypt’s state buyer Mostakbal Misr was reported to have bought around 500k tons of wheat for late December–January delivery, including roughly 200k tons from Russia. Russian 12.5% FOB wheat closed last week at $232/t, slightly up on the week. Brazil’s 25/26 corn crop was forecast by Safras at 143.6 mmt, well above USDA’s September estimate. U.S. export inspections showed solid corn and soybean volumes but cumulative soybean loadings remained 6.4 mmt behind last year.
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.
