On the 42nd week, freight rates in the Azov-Black Sea region recorded a drop, after passing the peak values at the end of the previous week, when deals were concluded at the level of $ 85 per ton. At the moment, a shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports costs $ 80 per ton. The main factor here is the decline in trade activity, which is directly related to a sharp change in the trend of export fees. Thus, the tax on wheat and barley increased for the first time in many weeks, and immediately by 50 percent, to achieve the level of 2,934.3 rubles and 2,479.9 rubles, respectively. This way, by the end of this week, it is quite possible that the rate will drop to the level of $ 76 per ton, the cost of freight, at which contracts in the current conditions will be successfully concluded by charterers. Turkey remains the main destination for short sea shipments, but it is worth noting frequent requests for vessels ready to call Italian ports.