Weekly Freight Recap: 12/06/25
Jun 12, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Panamax Atlantic market strengthened further, particularly in the North where limited tonnage availability led owners to raise offers. Charterers showed some resistance, but firmer bids began to appear, hinting at further upside. Fronthaul demand remained a key driver, while the South Atlantic appeared more mixed with less momentum. Overall, the northern part of the basin provided the strongest support, keeping sentiment buoyant.
Pacific: In Asia, confidence improved across the board. Consistent coal demand out of Indonesia and Australia helped clear prompt vessels, with rates trending upward. Despite some variation across trades, the overall tone was firm. Owners pushed for higher levels as enquiries grew, widening the bid-offer spread. Market participants remained cautiously optimistic heading into the new week.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Supramax Atlantic market stayed quiet, though select pockets such as the US Gulf showed signs of strengthening. South America also gained attention, yet fixing activity was still limited. Brokers noted an uptick in enquiries but reported few concluded deals. Sentiment held steady, with owners hoping tighter tonnage may soon support firmer rates.
Pacific: Asia remained under pressure. Vessel oversupply and thin cargo availability kept rates from advancing, despite a few isolated fixtures. Indonesian coal trades continued to set the tone, but the wider market lacked momentum. Owners remained defensive, though signs of stability appeared by week’s end, particularly in Indian Ocean-related trades.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handy market in the Atlantic was balanced overall. The Continent and Mediterranean saw little change, with rates largely in line with recent fixtures. The South Atlantic held steady, while the US Gulf remained more active and benefited from strong cargo flows. The region continued to provide relative support to the broader segment.
Pacific: Asia saw muted activity, with market participants reporting a growing list of open ships. While demand remained weak, rate levels were mostly steady. Few fixtures emerged, and no major shifts in sentiment were observed, keeping the Pacific market in a holding pattern.
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.
