Weekly Freight Recap: 03/04/25
Apr 03, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The market showed mixed signals, with some resistance from owners despite growing pressure on certain trades. Demand from South America remained steady, preventing a sharp decline in vessel employment in Southeast Asia. However, the North Atlantic continued to see an increase in available tonnage, with fewer fresh cargo inquiries, leading to a more cautious outlook.
Pacific: Uncertainty persisted, with slowing cargo interest from key loading regions, partly due to holiday disruptions. While owners held firm on rate expectations, declining demand for shipments from North America and Australia added to concerns. The upcoming wave of exports from South America is expected to provide short-term support, though macroeconomic factors and reduced coal shipments continue to weigh on long-term sentiment.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: Market conditions remained uneven, with the US Gulf and South America presenting varied opportunities. While transatlantic runs showed some improvement, overall sentiment remained fragile. The European market remained subdued, with slow demand and limited fixtures.
Pacific: Tonnage availability continued to rise, while fresh inquiries were scarce. The region remained under pressure, and despite occasional fixtures, there were few signs of a broader market shift. Global holidays contributed to the slower pace of activity.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The market remained relatively unchanged, with stable fundamentals in Europe. While there was some fresh demand in the US Gulf and South America, it was not enough to significantly impact overall availability. Rates held steady without major fluctuations.
Pacific: The region also saw little movement, with a buildup of tonnage but no significant changes in demand. Cargo availability remained consistent with prior levels, and overall market sentiment remained cautious.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
18/04/25
Apr 18, 2025
The Atlantic market saw further pressure with rates declining across most routes. Despite some vessel movement toward South America on hopes of stronger grain activity, this has not translated into stronger sentiment. The region remains oversupplied, and charterers continue to dictate terms, keeping offers low and confidence weak.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
7/4- 11/4/25 Agri
Apr 15, 2025
Grain markets began the week relatively stable, despite heightened volatility in U.S. financial markets. The threat of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China remained a significant concern, as President Trump proposed additional tariffs on Chinese imports. In the grain markets, U.S. export inspections for soybeans and corn were strong, while wheat inspections fell short of expectations.
Freight
Freight Recap:
10/04/25
Apr 10, 2025
Atlantic: The market remained under pressure with falling rates driven by oversupply and limited fresh demand. While some activity was seen out of South America, it wasn’t enough to shift sentiment. Charterers maintained control, and offers remained far apart from bids, especially on transatlantic routes. Overall, market participants remained cautious, with attention also diverted by global financial uncertainty.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
31/3- 4/4/25 Agri
Apr 07, 2025
Grain markets kicked off the week digesting the USDA’s planting intentions report, which offered mild support to wheat and modest pressure on corn. However, corn still managed to finish higher for the old crop, while soybeans slipped slightly. Export inspections showed strong performance for corn and solid showings for wheat and soybeans. Winter wheat conditions held steady in Kansas but declined in Texas and Oklahoma. Market attention began shifting toward President Trump’s anticipated tariff announcement, raising questions over potential trade fallout.
