Weekly Freight Recap: 21/05/25
May 21, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic market remained under pressure, with transatlantic activity subdued and rates eroding further amid a growing list of prompt tonnage. Fronthaul demand from North Coast South America provided some support, but fixtures reflected easing sentiment. The bid-offer spread widened as charterers held back, and fixtures increasingly came in below previously reported levels.
Pacific: The Pacific market was largely flat, with adequate tonnage meeting limited fresh demand. Activity from NoPac and Australia remained steady but insufficient to absorb supply. Owners showed some resistance, hoping for a correction, but overall sentiment stayed weak as the market failed to find upward momentum.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax market retained a steady tone, supported by demand in the US Gulf and South America. The Continent and Mediterranean, however, continued to lag with limited new enquiry. While volumes remained consistent in parts, the pace of fixing was slow, and sentiment appeared mixed depending on loading region.
Pacific: Asia remained soft, with limited new business and a long tonnage list weighing on rates. Southeast Asia and North Asia saw muted fixing, though some isolated cargoes provided small pockets of activity. The Indian Ocean maintained firmer levels, supported by steady demand from South Africa and into the Arabian Gulf, although overall activity was subdued.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handysize segment saw mild gains in most Atlantic regions. The Continent and Mediterranean moved slightly higher, while the US Gulf and South Atlantic markets remained balanced, helped by steady cargo flows and tighter prompt tonnage. Sentiment was stable to slightly firmer across the basin.
Pacific: The Pacific market also saw some improvement. Tighter vessel availability in Southeast Asia and the North Pacific encouraged stronger bids from charterers. While overall demand remained moderate, the regional tonnage balance tilted in favor of owners, lifting sentiment modestly across the board.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
13/11/25
Nov 13, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a mixed performance, with Handysize activity remaining limited, Supramax maintaining firmer sentiment, and Panamax extending its gains on stronger fundamentals. The Atlantic generally held a positive tone across most segments, while the Pacific remained steady but slower, with Asian Handysize and Supramax markets facing softer enquiry and longer tonnage lists. Period interest persisted in both Supramax and Panamax sectors, supported by balanced fundamentals and improving demand signals.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
03-07/11/25 Agri
Nov 10, 2025
Soybeans extended their rally on expectations of accelerating Chinese demand, while rumors of U.S. wheat sales to China lifted Chicago futures. Corn stayed firm after StoneX raised its U.S. yield estimate to 186.0 bu/acre, though many still expect revisions lower in upcoming reports. Harvest progress reached 91% for soybeans and 83% for corn, with winter wheat planting nearly complete at 91%.
Export inspections totaled 965k t of soybeans, 1.67 mmt of corn, and 350k t of wheat—broadly in line with expectations. Despite easing trade tensions, Chinese importers continued booking cheaper Brazilian soybeans, reportedly 20 cargoes for December through mid-2026. Kazakhstan’s agriculture ministry reported a 27.1 mmt total harvest, including 20.3 mmt of wheat, far above USDA’s 16 mmt estimate.
Freight
Freight Recap:
06/11/25
Nov 06, 2025
The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
