The Panamax market still strong after the Easter break despite the fact that some charterers could wait to fix.

The Atlantic market has firmed this week with Brazilian soybean trades boosting transatlantic trips.

The week has started with a mixed outlook for the larger vessels given the Chinese Qing Ming festival and continued weather delaying cargoes out of the East of Australia.

The Cape market improved this week following fresh stems in the Atlantic and improved weather from  Australia in the Pacific leading to a decent level of spot and period business fixed to China.

Cape business on the Pacific remained firm as freight rates are still attractive enough for China to continue importing, and there’s been no ordering for more than a year.

Cape Atlantic business remained firm particularly from Brazil to the China despite a lack of cargoes in the East.

The Cape market has remained firm particularly for trips from Australia and South Africa.

The Cape market has shown mixed sentiment this week following holidays in Brazil as well as Asia.

Cape rates have firmed following fresh enquiries across the market, particularly for Brazil to China.

Cape period rates remained at strong levels as FFAs continue to perform and spot rates drop off.

Due to weak cargoes in the Atlantic Capes have dropped across the board with short period rates achieving around $800/pdpr and 1 year rates

Cape rates have remained steady around $11,000-$11,500/pdpr for long period charterers.

The Lunar new year celebrated by many nations in Asia as always affects the global trading pattern not just for ships but macroeconomies also.

Atlantic Cape rates have firmed following an increase in Brazilian exports, whilst the Australia-China routes have slowed.

Cape rates have experienced a mixed 2017 reception with initial numbers strong in the Atlantic due tight tonnage, however spot rates have slipped particularly in the East.