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
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.
