# Ocean freight rates for grain shipping fluctuate in 2024, outlook stable for 2025

> The USDA Grain Transportation Report shows 2024 bulk ocean freight rates were volatile, with U.S. Gulf to Japan averaging $57.14 per mt, up 8% from 2023. Rates rose in early 2024 on Red Sea rerouting and Panama Canal restrictions, then eased in the third quarter as Chinese imports slowed and canal conditions improved. The report projects modest fleet expansion for 2025 amid weak demand.

- Date: 2025-02-03 · published 2025-02-03T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: report · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/16963-ocean-freight-rates-for-grain-shipping-fluctuate-in-2024-outlook-stable-for-2025
- Commodities: [Ocean Grain Freight](https://feedsoft.ai/c/OCEANFRT.md)

## Why it matters

Higher freight costs widen the basis between U.S. origins and Asian buyers, which can cut the net farm-gate price for U.S. grain and oilseeds. A stable 2025 outlook with weak demand suggests limited upward pressure on freight.

## Read by commodity

- OCEANFRT: neutral

## Sources

- feedandgrain.com: https://www.feedandgrain.com/grain-supply-chain/transportation/news/15736477/ocean-freight-rates-for-grain-shipping-fluctuate-in-2024-outlook-stable-for-2025

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.