In week 22, the Azov–Black Sea region saw a decline in freight rates, down to USD 26 per ton for shipments of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports. Demand remains weak, partly due to the holidays in Turkey this week, while the continuing strengthening of the ruble is preventing exporters from securing profitable contracts. Coal shipments, which usually increase amid lower freight rates and a shortage of grain cargoes, also remain minimal. Export duties on wheat, barley, and corn remain at zero until June 2.
The Baltic coaster market remains stable; however, a slight downward correction in freight rates is being observed.