Off like a light, the Capesize rebound of last week seems to have hit a wall at the start of this week with a very strong reversal of negative US$ 800-900 (or thereabouts) on the trans-Pacific RV taking those rates back into the low US$ 7,000s daily range. Few new fixtures have emerged so far this week, though that could still change by midweek, owners say. On the other hand, if the activity that helped buoy the spot markets last week doesn’t reappear quickly, there is a very good possibility that new downward corrections will start coming fast and furious. Voyage rates have remained stable so far with Brazil/ China unchanged in the area of US$ 11.9-12.0/mt. There does seem to be plenty of energy left in the Panamax markets with the positive momentum of last week pushing into this week and keeping trends bullish. TARVs look to be the most improved even as US$ 5-6,000s rates are still poor for any owners hoping to make a profit in this challenging market. Slightly more promising are front hauls, which are benefitting from a modest renaissance from South America as DOP rates ex-Brazil (open UKC-Med) are granting Kamsarmax ships upwards of US$ 16,000. Apart from the collapsing Black Sea front hauls (in a replay of the same on USG front hauls two weeks ago), Handy bulk rates remain rather steady in the Atlantic and even bullish on South America delivery. ECSA export trips are currently keeping the entire western market aloft, it would seem, with front hauls getting upwards of US$ 13,000 daily DOP to the Far East on tonnage of 58,000 dwt and even US$ 14,000 daily on Ultramax vessels exceeding 62,000 dwt. The USG/UKC trans-Atlantic trips are holding steady in the US$ 10-11,000 range on Tess 58s.

For more of BMTI’s daily shipping analysis, subscribe to the BMTI DAILY REPORT today.