Weekly Freight Recap: 05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: 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. Grain cargoes out of EC South America remained a key driver, with premiums being paid for prompt tonnage. Overall, sentiment improved significantly, and next done levels are expected higher.
Pacific: In Asia, activity picked up slightly, though the market remained mixed. The wide bid-offer spread continued to cause hesitation, but sentiment improved somewhat thanks to increased exports from South America. Regional holidays slowed progress earlier in the week, but rate levels held steady overall, supported by minor improvements in coal cargo flows
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: Supramax activity in the Atlantic was subdued overall, with the Continent-Mediterranean seeing minor improvement while the South Atlantic and US Gulf stayed under pressure. Some isolated fixtures were reported, such as cement trips into the US Gulf, but the overall market tone remained flat. Support pockets emerged from specific trades, though tonnage oversupply limited any meaningful upward push.
Pacific: Asia remained weak, with little change in market dynamics. Holiday-related slowdown and a muted cargo book continued to weigh on sentiment. Few fixtures were reported, and rates stayed broadly unchanged, reflecting lack of fresh demand and persistent vessel oversupply.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handysize Atlantic market was relatively balanced. While the Continent and Mediterranean held flat, a slight improvement was observed in the South Atlantic due to tightening tonnage. The US Gulf showed ongoing momentum, supported by fresh cargoes and fewer available vessels. Several fixtures showed rates holding or trending upwards, especially into the Mediterranean.
Pacific: The Pacific Handy market remained stable. Conditions were steady, but growing vessel supply relative to demand kept rates flat. Some salt and mineral cargoes were reported, though no significant shift in fundamentals occurred. Fixtures showed limited rate movement despite ongoing interest from charterers.
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.
