Weekly Freight Recap: 29/05/25
May 29, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic market struggled with weak sentiment throughout the week. Following recent holidays, demand remained soft and fresh cargoes were limited, particularly in the North. In the South, while some fixing activity was noted, oversupply of ships continued to weigh heavily on rates. Owners faced increasing pressure as charterers held firm, and some vessels were reported fixing below last done.
Pacific: The Pacific followed a similar trend, with a steady buildup of open tonnage and a lack of new business. Indonesian and Australian cargoes remained limited, leaving owners with few options. Sentiment weakened further as offers dropped and charterers waited for even softer levels. Overall, the market remained quiet, with little improvement in sight unless demand improves notably.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: Supramax activity remained limited, with the South Atlantic lacking support and the Continent and US Gulf showing little fresh inquiry. A growing list of available vessels contributed to further downward pressure. While some trades were reported, the broader trend remained soft, and fixtures reflected a cautious tone from both owners and charterers.
Pacific: Asia continued to experience sluggish conditions. Southern regions were particularly quiet, with oversupply and limited cargoes leading to softer rates. Isolated fixtures emerged from South Africa and the Indian Ocean, but they did little to shift the overall weak sentiment. Period interest remained minimal, with confidence low across the board.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handy market in the Atlantic presented a mixed picture. The Continent and Mediterranean were quiet with little inquiry, while the South Atlantic showed weaker sentiment due to slow cargo flow. By contrast, the US Gulf market saw a more active week, with improved fixing levels helping to lift mood slightly.
Pacific: The Pacific remained relatively firm compared to other basins. A more balanced supply-demand situation, particularly in Southeast Asia, supported stable rates. While overall activity was not high, the region showed resilience, and owners were able to secure more favorable deals than in the Atlantic.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
11-15/08/25 Agri
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Grain markets experienced another volatile week as political developments, trade disputes, and bearish USDA data drove sentiment. Early in the week, soybeans surged on speculation that Chinese buying might resume following Donald Trump’s extension of tariff pauses, but corn and wheat failed to follow. Export inspections painted a mixed picture, with corn and soybeans performing well while wheat lagged. The USDA’s August WASDE loomed large over the market, with traders bracing for higher yield estimates.
Freight
Freight Recap:
14/08/25
Aug 14, 2025
The dry bulk market presented a mixed performance this week, with the Supramax segment edging higher, Handysize holding steady with minor gains, and Panamax showing a regional split — weaker in the Atlantic, firmer in the Pacific.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
04–08/08/25 Agri
Aug 11, 2025
Grain markets swung sharply this week, rebounding midweek before easing, driven by yield outlooks, export data, and geopolitical headlines.
Freight
Freight Recap:
7/08/25
Aug 07, 2025
Port of Callao halted operations after an Evergreen ship lost 50 containers during rough weather. Meanwhile, July's freight data shows the market stuck in a supply-heavy “holding pattern,” with capacity expanding but pricing rising faster — suggesting a slow, uneven recovery in logistics and transportation
