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:
9-13/6/25 Agri
Jun 16, 2025
Grain markets were pulled in opposing directions throughout Week 24, as favorable crop prospects, geopolitical shocks, and U.S. policy developments generated volatile trading. The week opened with a sharp sell-off in corn and wheat, as improved U.S. crop conditions and benign weather forecasts reinforced expectations of ample supplies. Corn and wheat both fell more than 2% on Monday, effectively wiping out prior gains. U.S. crop ratings surprised to the upside, with corn at 71% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. Concurrently, stronger forecasts for Russian and Romanian wheat harvests added further pressure, while China’s surging soybean imports – largely sourced from Brazil – highlighted its continued pivot away from U.S. origin.
Freight
Freight Recap:
12/06/25
Jun 12, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market strengthened further, particularly in the North where limited tonnage availability led owners to raise offers.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
2-6/6/25 Agri
Jun 09, 2025
Grain markets opened June on a mixed footing, with wheat futures initially rallying on renewed geopolitical fears following escalations between Ukraine and Russia. However, the rally soon fizzled as U.S. crop progress data turned sentiment more bearish. Spring and winter wheat condition ratings exceeded expectations, with plantings and harvests advancing steadily. Meanwhile, USDA export inspections showed strong corn loadings, but soybeans and wheat lagged.
Freight
Freight Recap:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
