According to Rufco Company, in the Azov Sea basin grain freight rates have strengthened. Grain supply for transportation from Russian part of the basin increased gradually.
Besides, some recovery of grain shipments from the ports of Volga and Don (in the direction of Iran and Turkey) was observed in the market. As a result, outflow of the “river-sea” fleet under Russian flag made it possible to keep freight rates unchanged. And more active offers for mid-August even allowed carriers to slightly raise rates for those dates.
In the Caspian Sea some increase in grain trading activity was noted, mainly from the ports of Volga. Shippers looked for cheap tonnage for transportation in the direction of Iran and Mediterranean. (UkrAgroConsult/Business World Magazine)