Pacific Panamax freight rates have dropped sharply in line with weaker Asian Panamaxes, brokers said. Average rates for Pacific round voyages fell to $9,600 daily, down $169 from Monday, and down $217 from last week. Brokers said that the result will make Panamax owners reluctant to trade fronthaul business without negotiating premium rates. The declining rates could deter owners from moving ships into the Pacific, but brokers said that if Panamax owners re-entered the Atlantic, this could support Pacific rates. For example, the Panamax for the 1986-built 61,013 dwt Andromeda was for Passero delivery in May for a trip via Brazil. If re-delivery took place in the Atlantic the freight rate would be $10…