Freight Up! Fuel oil, iron ore, steel and other commodity insights from Freight Investor Services

The main story across freight and commodities over the past fortnight has been the headline-making 90-day tariff reduction between the US and China. Hi, I’m Jess, and on this episode of Freight Up, myself and Davide unpack how this policy shift has tempered volatility and delivered a short-term lift to otherwise flat markets. Ben Klang joins us after a busy run of industry events, detailing the impact on dry freight—where Capesize contracts saw a fleeting rebound before losing ground, and smaller Panamax and Supramax rates remained lacklustre. We’ll investigate the cautious optimism on the macro front, following stubborn inflation and steady US employment numbers. We'll also take a closer look at iron ore and steel markets, with regional insights you won’t want to miss. From Shanghai, Hao Pei explores iron ore’s resilience—even as tariffs shift—and the mounting influence of port logistics in Peru and ongoing maintenance cycles in China. Timestamped summary00:00 Mixed Inflation and Market Stability03:32 Cape Size Contract Fluctuations08:06 Steel Tariffs Impact and Trade Dynamics10:44 FOBCC Market Outlook Uncertain13:24 US Steel Market Challenges18:10 "Spot Price Drop Forecasted"Website Check out FIS Live - https://www.fis-live.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

Markets this week have been shaped by a volley of global events, each leaving its mark on commodities and freight. We’ve seen flat performances across dry freight indexes, despite slight gains in Capesize and Panamax sectors, and a muted Supramax uptick offset by minor losses in Handys. Oil and equity markets? Responding to political developments, most notably in the US, as tariffs and policy uncertainty weigh on sentiment. If you’re following the impact of US and Canadian politics on trade, this episode provides a timely overview. Chris Hudson joins me, Davide, to break down the effects of Trump’s executive orders and tariffs on North America’s cross-border commodity trade, alongside the newly-elected Prime Minister Carney’s reaction in Canada. We flag the difficulties market participants are facing as they try to adapt to “wait and see” conditions, with S&P volatility, shifting border policy, and tariff unpredictability creating new risks. The episode also explores the knock-on effects for currencies and global commodity pricing, tracking the Fed’s interest rate stance and its implications for everything priced in dollars. You'll get a first-hand view on how global supply chains are being tested by changing political rhetoric, and what this means for iron ore, coking coal, and dry freight trends moving into May.Timestamps00:00 Market Volatility Amid News Overload03:36 U.S. Politics: Executive Orders & Market Trends08:24 Trump Era Politics & Economic Insights09:54 Trump Criticises Powell on Rates14:41 Uncertainty in Economic Forecasting16:49 Decarbonisation Challenges and Economic Priorities21:46 US Tariff Easing Boosts Markets24:14 Australian Coking Coal Market ReboundsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

This podcast episode delves into the pressing topic of the current state of the freight and commodity markets, particularly in the context of the influence of Donald Trump’s administration. The discussion initiates with an analysis of recent fluctuations in key commodity prices, including significant declines in dry freight markets and iron ore values. Subsequently, I engage in a comprehensive dialogue with Richard Stephenson, CEO of Freight Fix, who elucidates the evolving dynamics of global trade patterns and the ramifications of tariffs instituted under Trump’s economic policies. We critically assess the historical context leading to the present circumstances, identifying the long-term effects of financialization and the geopolitical shifts that have emerged in response to these policies. As we navigate through these complexities, we underscore the necessity for traders and stakeholders to adapt to an increasingly interconnected and shifting economic landscape.Takeaways:The podcast discussed the recent downturn in dry freight markets, indicating significant rate drops since mid-March. Richard Stephenson elaborated on Freight Fix's analytical approach to shipping and trade, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. The conversation highlighted the impact of Donald Trump's policies on global trade, particularly tariffs and their consequences. The hosts noted the historical context of U.S. trade dynamics, tracing back to the post-war era and economic shifts. A significant point raised was the transformation of trade patterns due to tariffs, affecting traditional routes and buyer-supplier relationships. The discussion concluded with reflections on the future of trade, emphasizing the increased importance of regional collaborations over traditional dependencies. Links referenced in this episode:freightfix.comfisglobal.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: FIS Freightfix Donald Trump OPEC BYD Tesla JP Morgan Pershing Square This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

If you’re looking to gain an understanding of how the steel industry is transforming, then this episode of "Freight Up" is for you. Hello, we're Jess and Davide, and we welcome you back to another insightful episode of Freight Up – your go-to podcast for the latest in freight and commodity markets from Freight Investor Services or as some of us know us, FIS. In our latest episode, we're diving into the dynamic world of electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and their impact on the US steel market. As we're joined by Ali Oktay, a Senior Analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights, alongside our other expert guests, we'll be dissecting how the shift to EAFs is adding new steel capacity in the US and reshaping the market landscape. EAFs have been pivotal in transitioning the US steel market, adding about 20 million tons of EAF sheet melting capacity since 2017, and they offer several economic and operational benefits, including quicker production adjustments and potential lower production costs. This episode is set to provide you with deep insights into how these developments are pushing pricing ceilings and influencing future trends across global markets.One key takeaway beyond the innovation of EAFs is how global market trends and trade policies are influencing demand and supply within the US steel market. Ali discusses how recurring themes, such as trade policy, play fundamental roles in reshaping competitive contexts for US steel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

In this episode, we explore significant price fluctuations in the iron ore market with Hao Pei decoding the impacts of China's crude steel restrictions and market rumours on iron ore prices. Hello, we're Jess and Davide, and we welcome you back to another insightful episode of Freight Up – your go-to podcast for the latest in freight and commodity markets from Freight Investor Services or as some of us know us, FIS. This episode we ask why coking coal prices are being corralled or which forces in the Middle East might unsettle the stabilizing oil market? Hao unravels these subjects and offers insights into potential market trends. Meanwhile, Archie Smith tackles fuel oil market intricacies, detailing price behaviours and geopolitical factors that traders must watch. As the world shifts closer to sustainable energy solutions, our captivating battery metals segment features Abex Commodity Futures Exchange’s Joe Raja and Sascha Lefschitz. They share with us the course of innovative futures contracts and how they're reshaping risk management, offering traders more robust tools for the evolving battery landscape.Timestamped summary00:00 China: Deflation, Growth, and Shipping Trends03:30 Iron Ore Market Volatility08:36 Ukraine War Truce and Oil Impact13:33 Rare New Futures Exchange Launch17:02 Launching Nickel and Lithium Contracts20:25 Comprehensive Risk Management Tool21:51 Subscribe for Biweekly Freight PodcastLinks referenced in this episode:abex.comfislive.comfreightinvestorservices.comlinkedin.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

This is Freight Up, the place where we unpack the labyrinth that is the freight and commodity markets. I'm Jess, one of your guides on this voyage, alongside my co-host Davide. In this episode, we'll be diving headfirst into the current resurgence of the freight market with Ben Klang, while parsing through the intricacies of iron ore's recent pullback with Hao Pei. To wrap things up, Archie sheds light on the tumultuous happenings in the fuel oil market. First up, the freight market. If you’ve been watching, you’ll know the Capesize market is on an upswing after a spell of lukewarm rates. Ben Klang spills the details on what’s driving the surge and whether it's here to stay. As we transition from freight to raw materials with Hao Pei, we dissect the iron ore market, which has seen a significant dip. Hao highlights the high production levels in Australia and Brazil that have weighed on prices and draws out the influence of macroeconomic factors, such as the ongoing trade tensions. We finish up with Archie’s view on the fuel oil market as we explore how recent moves in crude prices and geopolitical factors, like OPEC's supply decisions and increasing tariffs, have stirred volatility. Timestamped summary00:00 Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Shifts04:27 Cape Size Market Boosts Dry FFAs 08:52 Capesize Trading Surpasses Panamax12:25 China's Economy: Potential Market Volatility15:26 Iron Ore Market Strategy Awaited16:30 Iron Ore Market Strategy22:35 Fuel Oil Market Dynamics23:47 Subscribe for Freight UpdatesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

In this week's episode, we'll explore the recent movements in the dry bulk freight rates, where the cape size segment has notably hit a two-year low, and the factors influencing these changes. Hello, we're Jess and Davide, and we welcome you back to another insightful episode of Freight Up – your go-to podcast for the latest in freight and commodity markets from Freight Investor Services or as some of us know us, FIS. We'll also gain a valuable perspective from our guest Ben Klang, who provides an in-depth view of the current dynamics in iron ore and coking coal markets. Plus, you'll hear from our highly knowledgeable carbon emissions broker, William Addison, on the evolving situation in the European carbon markets.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

In this episode of "Freight Up", we're discussing the impact of Russian sanctions on HSFO and Tarrifs on ferrous. We also look at the wider shifts in the freight and bulk commodity markets. Hi, I'm Jess from the Freight Investor Services podcast team and I’m here to guide you through a packed agenda featuring expert insights that promise to arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate these turbulent times. We're kicking things off with updates from Ben Klang as he breaks down market responses to new international tariffs and their implications for dry freight. Then, we'll turn to Hao Pei for a detailed look at the impact of recent cyclones on iron ore supply and the subtle tug-of-war playing out between US and Australia over coking coal markets. And then Archie Smith and Lewis Johns bring significant updates on how Russian sanctions are rippling through the high-sulphur fuel oil sector.Timestamped summary00:00 Freight Markets & Economic Updates03:52 Hurricanes Impact Australia's Iron Ore Supply09:49 China's Manufacturing Slowdown Signals Concerns12:31 Crude Futures Under Pressure15:18 U.S. Crude Fills Europe's Supply Gap18:39 Shipping Market Optimism Amid RisksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

Hello, Jess here from Freight Up! Welcome to our latest episode, "Navigating 2025 - Freight Market Trends, Tariff Turbulence, and Green Horizons." In this episode, we take a serious deep dive into the current dynamics reshaping the freight and bulk commodity markets as we enter 2025. You'll hear our discussions on the latest economic data from the US and China, key trends in the dry bulk market, and the impact of new greenhouse gas regulations. If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market, this episode is packed with insights you'll want to hear.We kick things off with a detailed look at recent economic developments. In our discussion with Ben Klang, we tackle the supply-demand dynamics in the dry bulk market. Ben gives us a grim outlook: a sluggish Chinese economy, Trump's proposed tariffs, and the geopolitical landscape all suggest impact.00:00 China's Growth, Inflation, and Trade Updates04:06 2025 Dry Bulk Market Outlook07:45 Capesize Stabilises, Panamax Falls09:56 US Politics Drive Oil Price FluctuationsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

Welcome to a special episode of Freight Up, our last for the year! As we head into the holiday season, today's episode is packed with everything you need to get up to speed with the latest happenings in the freight and commodity markets. Whether you're taking a break from the Christmas rush or wrapping up your year-end strategies, you won't want to miss this detailed analysis of market trends, economic indicators, and expert forecasts.First up, Davide kicks things off with an update on the key market movements over the past two weeks. We’ve seen some significant job growth in the US, with 227,000 jobs added in November, but this hasn't been enough to counter ongoing challenges in the freight markets. For instance, the Capesize index has plummeted. Our analysts Ed and Hao Pei dive deep into the technical and fundamental aspects of these trends, providing an illuminating discussion on what's driving the market's bearish outlook and what we might expect as we move into 2025.After listening, you'll walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the freight and bulk commodities markets. You'll learn about the impacts of Chinese industrial performance and US economic data on market movements, how the Panamax and Supramax segments are faring, and the projections for the iron ore market in the coming year. This knowledge will equip you with actionable insights to adjust your strategies accordingly, be it for short-term trading or long-term investment planning. So, sit back, put down your WSJ or Times newpaper, grab another cuppa, and let's make sense of the markets together on this festive edition of Freight Up.Links referenced in this episode:fis.liveCompanies mentioned in this episode: Boeing Freight Investor Services Capesize C3 C5 Panamax Supramax C3 C5 FIS Live China India EU This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy