Dry bulk markets were quiet this week with the bullish momentum of the past few weeks fading and allowing values to slip lower. September is usually a lackluster month for freight markets as shippers await the North American grain harvest. The lack of Chinese buying of American soybeans is notable this year and PNW vessel lineups are sharply reduced and export demand is badly needed. The PNW/Gulf export spreads are trying hard to incentivize movement from the PNW. On a C&F basis, corn offers from the PNW (including FOB prices and ocean freight rates) are $30/MT cheaper than the Gulf at present, which is the largest difference since late 2023.
Jay O’Neil is reporting that the Bangladesh wheat trade from the Texas Gulf was fi...
What You Need to Know Today: The U.S. dollar continued to strengthen Thursday as persistent inflation reinforced expectations for additional Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Higher Treasury yields have helped support the dollar, potentially reducing the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural...
In yesterday’s WASDE, USDA reduced its overall red meat and poultry production forecast for 2026 as declines in beef and broiler output more than offset increases in pork and turkey production. Fourth-quarter beef production was revised downward because of slower fed cattle marketings and...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk freight markets were stronger this week, but the rally was uneven and due to divergent dynamics across basins and vessel classes. Panamax markets were broadly higher, but Atlantic grain demand was primarily responsible while Asian activity was subdued. That trend...
