On the 20th week, freight rates in the Azov-Black Sea region continue to drop. Thus, contracts for a shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports are concluded at the level of USD 31 per ton. The situation on the grain market this week remains unfavorable for deals, despite the fact that the fee on wheat exports from May 17 to May 23 will decrease to 4727.6 rubles per ton, on the export of barley — to 2117.8 rubles, on the export of corn — to 2364.3 rubles per ton.
The political situation in Turkey after the first round of presidential elections does not contribute to confident planning of shipments for the coming months. At the same time, any agreement has not yet been reached on the extension of the grain deal for the export of grain from Ukrainian ports, the expiration of which comes tomorrow. In case of its cancellation, there is a possibility of an increase in the cargo flow of grain cargoes from Russian ports, which may keep freight rates from falling further.