In week 39, shipments from the Azov–Black Sea region remain almost completely absent. In the Caspian region, the sharp increase in freight rates has slowed somewhat. The freight rate for a 3,000 mt shipment of grains from Astrakhan to Northern Iranian Ports is currently at USD 113–115 per ton.
The Baltic region remains active this week, with the market in relative balance. Freight rates have increased by EUR 1–3 per ton. Favorable weather conditions allow shipowners to maintain high fleet turnaround, which is limiting a rapid increase in freight rates.