In Week 38, the freight market situation in the Azov–Black Sea region remains largely unchanged. Some charterers and shipowners are willing to take the risks associated with shipping grain cargoes from Black Sea ports; however, such cases remain more of an exception.
In the Caspian region, freight rates continue to rise steadily, reaching USD 110 per ton and above on the Astrakhan–Northern Iran ports route.
In the Baltic region, the active season has begun, with a large number of grain cargoes entering the market from Baltic ports. There are rumours that, starting from 1 October 2026, the Baltic states may increase railway tariffs by 300% in an effort to reduce the pressure on port infrastructure. Freight rates continue to rise, with an overall increase of USD 1–2 per ton observed this week.