Panama Canal transits back to normal ahead of US Gulf soybean export season

With rainfalls over Panama reverting to normal after May 2024, the draft of the Panama Canal recovered and is now expected to reach 87ft by coming mid-October, in-line with seasonal average.

A chart displaying the evolution of Bulker Transits via Panama Canal from January to December, comparing data from 2022, 2023, and 2024, with each year represented by different colors from the IG color palette. Additionally, a shadow range in grey color represents the 5-year variation.

The situation has led the Panama Canal Authority to progressively increase the maximum number of transits per day to 35 as of 05-Aug and the number of bulk carrier transits has recovered up to a 10-month high with 47 vessels last week!

Together with better Mississippi River logistics, the recent developments along the Panama Canal will support agri exports from the US Gulf for the coming months in 2024.

If you would like to get more information on this topic and the impact on the freight market, please reach out to us on: [email protected].