In week 16, the Azov–Black Sea region is experiencing a sharp decline in freight rates. Contracts for the shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to the Marmara ports are now being concluded at the level of USD 42–43 per ton, which is almost USD 10 lower compared to the previous week. Turkish buyers show limited interest in grain purchases and continue to put downward pressure on prices. River shipments have not yet entered an active phase, with most charterers planning shipments for May–June.
At the same time, it should be noted that export duties on barley and corn have been reduced to zero again this week, while the duty on wheat has decreased by 41.4% to RUB 329 per ton.
In the Baltic region, there are signs of weakening in the freight market: a significant number of sub-sale inquiries are being reported, however, many of them do not materialize due to the high level of freight rates.