# Shipping Q1: Asia Pacific dry freight market stutters after promising start

> S&P Global reports that Asia Pacific dry bulk freight started 2018 strongly but weakened late in Q1. Rates on North Asia to Europe and North America East and West Coast routes fell to 2018 lows, and head-haul routes are expected to recover as trade demand returns. The article cautions that new carrier alliances could limit box rate increases.

- Date: 2018-04-03 · published 2018-04-03T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: logistics · region Asia Pacific · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/65706-shipping-q1-asia-pacific-dry-freight-market-stutters-after-promising-start
- Commodities: [Ocean Grain Freight](https://feedsoft.ai/c/OCEANFRT.md)

## Why it matters

Softer dry bulk freight rates lower the cost of moving grain and meal from origin to destination, which can narrow origin-destination spreads. Weak rates reduce the freight premium that supports ocean grain values.

## Read by commodity

- OCEANFRT: bearish ▼

## Sources

- spglobal.com: https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/pt/market-insights/latest-news/shipping/040318-shipping-q1-asia-pacific-dry-freight-market-stutters-after-promising-start

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