According to Rufco Company, grain freight rates remained steady in the Azov Sea basin. Trading activity declined slightly, grain exports did not meet expectations of shipowners, first of all regarding shipments to Turkey. Supply of free “river-sea” fleet exceeded demand in spot market.
In the Caspian Sea grain freight rates continued to strengthen. Shipments of grain and metal from Russian ports increased. Supply of fleet declined in the region after departure of some tonnage to other regions amid long-lasting period of low freight rates.
Still there were no grain shipments from the central part of the Caspian (Kazakhstan). (UkrAgroConsult/Business World Magazine)