Weekly Freight Recap: 18/04/25
Apr 18, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: 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. Pacific: Conditions remained soft in the Pacific with limited fresh inquiry from North Pacific and Indonesia. A growing tonnage list and lack of consistent cargoes widened the gap between bids and offers. Owners struggled to maintain levels as overall market sentiment remained bearish.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic remained under pressure, especially for backhaul routes, where demand was minimal. Although the South Atlantic showed a more balanced position, owners were reluctant to discount further. The broader region lacked momentum, with few new fixtures reported and sentiment staying subdued. Pacific: The Pacific saw limited movement as demand stayed weak, particularly out of Indonesia. Owners held firm on rates in some areas like the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean, but the overall mood was quiet. A lack of new cargo kept the region flat, with participants hesitant to commit.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Atlantic market was mixed. The Continent and Mediterranean stayed mostly stable, with slight gains in some areas. The South Atlantic saw a touch of fresh demand, which helped support rates slightly. In contrast, the US Gulf continued to weaken under increasing vessel availability and lack of new business. Pacific: Asia remained quiet with limited new inquiry. The tonnage list continued to build, and rates slipped slightly below last done levels. With little improvement in sight, owners faced limited options in a subdued market environment.
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.
