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:
18/12/25
Dec 18, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
08-12/12/25 Agri
Dec 15, 2025
CBOT markets finished lower ahead of Tuesday’s WASDE, which was widely expected to lack bullish surprises. MATIF wheat was the exception, posting small gains. Russian 12.5% protein wheat FOB for January delivery edged up by $0.5 w/w to $227.5/t, according to IKAR. Geopolitical headlines remained in focus after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said US-brokered peace talks remain stalled over security guarantees and control of eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas.
Freight
Freight Recap:
11/12/25
Dec 11, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
01-05/12/25 Agri
Dec 08, 2025
USDA announced no new flash sales, disappointing soybean markets. Weekly export sales remain delayed and have not yet reached the period covering the US–China trade deal, leaving the true pace of buying uncertain. CBOT corn and wheat eased, while March MATIF wheat posted small gains after finding support at intraday contract lows. ABARES raised Australia’s 2025/26 wheat, barley, and canola output, though the increases were broadly in line with expectations. Algeria’s OAIC issued a soft wheat tender for February shipment, and Russian wheat prices slipped again, with 12.5% FOB for January at $227/t.
