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:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
26–30 /5/25 Agri
Jun 02, 2025
Monday opened quietly in Europe as U.S. markets remained closed for Memorial Day. MATIF wheat traded lower in thin volumes, but losses were limited by concerns over dry conditions in France and rising temperatures in Russia. The May JRC MARS Bulletin painted a mixed EU crop outlook, nudging soft wheat yield estimates slightly higher but trimming rapeseed expectations. Meanwhile, geopolitical noise grew louder with President Trump mulling new sanctions against Russia, and Germany lifting range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
29/05/25
May 29, 2025
The Atlantic market struggled with weak sentiment throughout the week. Following recent holidays, demand remained soft and fresh cargoes were limited, particularly in the North. In the South, while some fixing activity was noted, oversupply of ships continued to weigh heavily on rates. Owners faced increasing pressure as charterers held firm, and some vessels were reported fixing below last done.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
19-23/5/25 Agri
May 26, 2025
Grain markets exhibited volatility throughout Week 21, with wheat prices leading a mid-week rally before easing slightly into the weekend. Early in the week, MATIF milling wheat weakened in response to Saudi Arabia’s tender, which confirmed continued preference for competitively priced Black Sea wheat. Meanwhile, CBOT futures found strength, buoyed by a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets after a brief dip following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. U.S. corn inspections came in strong, and planting progress remained well ahead of the five-year average, though winter wheat conditions unexpectedly declined. On the geopolitical front, markets briefly reacted to the news of prospective ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, although subsequent clarifications tempered expectations.
