On the 50th week, freight rates in Azov-Black Sea region continue to decrease. The cost of 3,000 tons shipment of deadweight cargo from Azov to the Marmara sea ports is USD 25 pmt. There is no expected revival in the grain market in the near future, as sales to Turkey remain almost absent, and warehouses in Mediterranean countries are already full. There are rare shipments to Egypt and Tunisia, but offers far exceed demand. Charterers are also facing issues with cargo delivery via the North-Caucasus Railway. Due to a shortage of wagons, there are significant delays in delivering cargo to the ports of the Azov Sea.
In addition, export duties are rising sharply. Starting December 11, the wheat export duty from Russia will increase almost by 32%, reaching 4,871.5 rubles per ton. The duty on barley will rise from 1,767.7 rubles to 2,229.1 rubles per ton, and the duty on corn will increase to 4,513.2 rubles per ton.