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

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

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