On the 10th week, freight rates in the Azov-Black Sea region remain at the level of last week. Deals for a shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports this week are concluded at an average of $ 68 per ton. There are fewer cargoes on the market, which is primarily due to the unfavorable grain market conditions. Falling grains prices stop many charterers from concluding contracts, given that there are still more than three months left before the end of the quota, and the situation may change for the better for sellers. In addition, from March 9th to March 14th, the export fee on wheat and barley rises again, at the same time it is worth noting that the tax on corn will drop. Thus, according to the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, the tax on the export of wheat from Russia will be 5371.6 rubles per ton, for the export of barley — 3548.8 rubles per ton, corn — 2740 rubles per ton. Despite the absence of a large amount of cargo, there is still quite few open vessels on the market for the next two weeks, as a result of which there is no drop in the freight market in the region. In addition, it is worth noting that icebreaker navigation is complete from 07.03.2023, 00:00 lt, while ice dues are charged till 15.03.2023, 24:00 lt.