Weekly Freight Recap: 27/03/25
Mar 27, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Panamax market remained firm, driven by strong demand from South America, particularly for fronthaul voyages. While there were reports of some cargoes fixing at slightly lower levels, overall sentiment stayed positive. Owners held firm on rates, and tonnage availability tightened, supporting the upward momentum.
Pacific: Earlier concerns over weaker coal demand faded as fresh cargo flows from Australia and Indonesia provided stability. NoPac grain demand also contributed to market strength. Owners maintained a firm stance on rates, and the market showed resilience despite seasonal pressures.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: Conditions were mixed, with some improvement in demand from Europe, though fixing activity remained limited. The US Gulf and South America saw balanced conditions, with sentiment varying by region. Rates remained steady, with some interest in longer voyages, but the overall pace of activity was slow.
Pacific: The market continued to face downward pressure, with limited fresh inquiry and a buildup of available vessels. Owners and charterers had differing expectations, making negotiations more difficult. While some fixtures were reported, market sentiment remained cautious.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The European market held steady, while the South Atlantic and US Gulf saw little change. Activity levels remained similar to previous days, with no significant shifts in rates or sentiment.
Pacific: Despite a buildup of tonnage, steady demand helped absorb available capacity. Southeast Asia and the North Pacific showed some stability, though movements were gradual. Some period activity emerged, but details remained limited.
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.
