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:
03/07/25
Jul 03, 2025
The Panamax market held broadly steady this week, though signs of softening began to emerge toward the close, particularly in areas where prompt tonnage began to outpace fresh demand. Across the Atlantic, sentiment remained mixed.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
23–27/06/25 Agri
Jun 30, 2025
The week opened with a sharp pullback across grain markets as the geopolitical risk premium evaporated following U.S. President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. While the truce remained fragile—lacking official confirmation from Israel—market sentiment quickly pivoted back to fundamentals. Pressure mounted as U.S. crop conditions were mixed and EU wheat yield projections were revised higher, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. U.S. export inspections provided little optimism, with soybeans and wheat underperforming, and fund positioning indicated heavy corn selling alongside increased soybean buying.
Freight
Freight Recap:
26/06/25
Jun 19, 2025
The Panamax market continued to show resilience this week, holding around the USD 12,800/day level on the 5TC index. Gains were seen across both basins, driven by steady demand and tightening tonnage in key loading areas.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
16–20/06/25 Agri
Jun 23, 2025
Monday opened with wheat and corn giving back gains from the prior session, pressured by generally favorable U.S. crop outlooks. Corn conditions improved to 72% good-to-excellent (G/E), aligning with last year’s level, while soybean ratings declined to 66% G/E. Winter wheat condition unexpectedly slipped, and harvest progress remained significantly delayed. Export inspections showed continued strength for corn, while soybean oil surged on tighter-than-expected NOPA stocks. Geopolitics hovered in the background as Iran signaled a desire to avoid escalation with Israel, while Turkey offered to mediate talks.
