Holiday silence did not mean market calm. Between 29 December 2025 and 3 January 2026, global shipping freight rates spoke clearly: pricing discipline returned, volumes hesitated, and carriers tested how far leverage still stretches
Drawing on market activity from the week ending 19 December 2025, this report examines the seasonal slowdown across Ultramax, Supramax and Handysize segments as year-end calm replaces late-Q4 momentum
The dry bulk market softened across all segments during the week that closed on 12 December 2025, with Capesize vessels leading the decline and momentum easing basin-wide
As 2025 draws to a close, dry bulk markets show seasonal softening and shifting balances, based on activity from the week that closed on 12 December 2025, highlighting growing charterer leverage across basins
Global container carriers face unprecedented profit collapse in Q3 2025, with earnings plummeting 55–89% despite record cargo volumes. The container shipping crisis reveals fundamental market dysfunction driven by overcapacity, tariff disruption, and structural demand weakness extending through 2026
Capesizes lead the dry bulk market into higher waters in the week ending December 5, 2025, with strong gains and shifting dynamics across all vessel segments
Dry bulk sentiment strengthened sharply during the week ending 28 November 2025 as Capesizes led a broad market rally, driving the Baltic Dry Index higher and lifting rates across all major vessel segments
Global shipping surged through turbulence in the period November 23–29, 2025, as geopolitics, market power plays, and high-stakes fleet moves reshaped the industry’s trajector
The global shipping sector experienced a week of high-stakes maritime geopolitics and remarkable market volatility between November 16 and November 22, 2025, forcing industry veterans to once again adjust their carefully laid spreadsheets
The dry bulk market closed the week ending Friday, 14 November, in a state of cautious stability, posting mild gains across most vessel sizes while awaiting a decisive push to shift momentum