Market Perspectives – September 17, 2020

Ocean Freight Comments

Transportation and Export Report: Jay O’Neil, O’Neil Commodity Consulting: It was another one of those weeks where Dry-Bulk freight tried to rally early but was forced to retreat at the week’s end. The paper trade is better supported than the physical market and it will be interesting to see which one gives in to the other. Overall, the markets remain relatively quiet. October Panamax rates traded at $12,400/day (down $400 from the prior week) with Q4 daily hire rates remaining flat.

The U.S. Gulf grain vessel lineup now shows and 8-year high of 68 boats scheduled. Buyers need to be carefully managing their logistics as we move through this fall harvest season. U.S. sorghum values have been historically high verses corn and wheat. There have however been reports of Chinese buyers requesting delays/extensions in sorghum shipments.