Cement News tagged under: freight

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High volatility in USG Supramax/Ultramax markets

22 January 2024, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark The first half of the month went very well for the Supramax/Ultramax owners in USG. The market was strong with levels increasing considerably as demand remained healthy for December dates and there was minimal tonnage supply to handle an increasing volume of cargo requirements. Nevertheless, closer to the end of the month, the USG market started getting softer due to limited fresh demand being introduced. Amid the upcoming holidays most requirements with spot ...

USG Supramax market skyrocketing as demand/supply plays in owners’ favour and congestion impacts Panama Canal

27 December 2023, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark USG Supramax/Ultramax market remained healthy during the month with rates rising above previous issue’s levels as tonnage for November dates appeared tight, while demand remained healthy. The strong segment in this area resulted in vessels ballasting from across the basin. Rates considerably increased throughout the month for all directions. There is a further increase in downtimes passing the Panama Canal. Market players increasingly prefer shipments via the ...

Pakistan cement prices rise due to freight costs

21 December 2023, Published under Cement News

Cement prices across Pakistan have risen over recent weeks, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The lowest price for a 50kg bag now stands at PKR1265 (US$4.52) with the maximum price coming in at PKR1400. Prices in the north of the country have reported an almost two per cent uptick from an average of PKR1220 in late November/early December to PKR1271/bag. Reports by the Pakistan Observer suggest the price increases are being driven by higher freight rates. The Pakistan govern...

Freight rates rise again on increased petcoke and grain demand

27 November 2023, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark The USG Supramax spot freight market finished the month on a positive note with rates continuing to increase as tonnage supply appears tight, while demand remains healthy. This especially relates to the fronthaul trips as fresh petcoke and grain cargoes are steadily trickling in. Meanwhile, the transatlantic segment had its ups and downs with rates dropped on transatlantic routes in the first half of the month but bounced back closer to its end. Freight rat...

After dip, freight rates seen stable to slightly higher

23 October 2023, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark The USG Supramax spot freight market was strong during the first half of the month.  Rates were increasing thanks to consistent fronthaul demand while shortage of tonnage in the United States East Coast (USEC) area presented attractive options for vessels free in the North Coast South America (NCSA) area, which usually prefer to ballast towards USG. However, at the end of the month, it became evident that fresh demand was lacking for transatlantic trips from USG....

Freight rates rising quickly due to increased demand

22 September 2023, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark The USG Supramax spot market remained strong throughout the month. Freight rates were rising on all routes as fresh demand was at healthy levels, especially on front-haul routes. The increase in front-haul rates was also partially aided by improved activity on transatlantic routes. Shipowners were increasing their prices on front-haul directions to maintain the rate difference by staying within the Atlantic and performing transatlantic shipments. As shown i...

Freight rates drifting lower after short rebound

22 August 2023, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark The USG Supramax spot freight market started the month on a strong note. Rates were rising across all routes as a region was supported, especially on fronthaul directions, which were dominated by petcoke trades. However, in the second half of the month, rates started slipping below the previous levels due to limited fresh demand, while tonnage continued to pile up for spot/prompt laycan dates. Therefore, the hope for market recovery did not materialise in July. ...

Freight rates remain weak on low demand

20 July 2023, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark USG Supramax spot freight market activity was limited with rates continuing to slide. Fresh cargo replenishment was slow, resulting in charterers lowering their bids on fronthaul and transatlantic routes. There were a few petcoke requirements towards India and the Far East, but the market suffered from a notable lack of grain cargoes. Figure 3: Supramax freight rates for petcoke from Houston, USA, March 2019-August 2023 (Source: Brannvoll Aps) Freigh...

Freight rates weaken on reduced new orders

05 July 2023, Published under Cement News

The USG Supramax spot freight segment looked weak due to the limited fresh orders in the market. Rates were slipping as tonnage continued to pile up for spot laycan dates. Fixing activity was quite high as owners were looking to secure their positions before the market slips any further. Supramax freight rates for petcoke from Houston, USA Deals for delivery of 50,000t of petcoke from Houston to Iskenderun with spot laycans are discussed at around US$22/t on average, represen...

Freight rates stabilise on optimistic outlook

30 May 2023, Published under Cement News

By Brannvoll ApS, Denmark The first half of the month looked inspiring for shipowners. The USG Supramax spot freight market improved with rates showing considerable spikes. Demand was healthy, especially for fronthaul trips, due to tonnage being tight for spot laycan dates and fronthaul. But in the second half of the month the market was already pausing for breath after a rate spike and tonnage supply started to build while demand remained flat. Eventually, the rates decreased amid a d...