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:
26–30 /5/25 Agri
Jun 02, 2025
Monday opened quietly in Europe as U.S. markets remained closed for Memorial Day. MATIF wheat traded lower in thin volumes, but losses were limited by concerns over dry conditions in France and rising temperatures in Russia. The May JRC MARS Bulletin painted a mixed EU crop outlook, nudging soft wheat yield estimates slightly higher but trimming rapeseed expectations. Meanwhile, geopolitical noise grew louder with President Trump mulling new sanctions against Russia, and Germany lifting range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
29/05/25
May 29, 2025
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.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
19-23/5/25 Agri
May 26, 2025
Grain markets exhibited volatility throughout Week 21, with wheat prices leading a mid-week rally before easing slightly into the weekend. Early in the week, MATIF milling wheat weakened in response to Saudi Arabia’s tender, which confirmed continued preference for competitively priced Black Sea wheat. Meanwhile, CBOT futures found strength, buoyed by a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets after a brief dip following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. U.S. corn inspections came in strong, and planting progress remained well ahead of the five-year average, though winter wheat conditions unexpectedly declined. On the geopolitical front, markets briefly reacted to the news of prospective ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, although subsequent clarifications tempered expectations.
Freight
Freight Recap:
21/05/25
May 21, 2025
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.
