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:
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.
