On week 32, freight rates in the Sea of Azov region remain on the previous week’s level. Thus, the rate for a 3K parcel of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports remains at the level of $61-62 pmt, Sea Lines shipbrokers report. But, given the lifting of the blockade of Ukrainian ports, Russian traders have issues selling wheat. Significant difference in the buying price in favor of Ukrainian wheat attracts Turkish buyers. In view of the high inflation rate in Turkey, they prefer to opt for low prices, despite possible difficulties in finding a vessel.

Since August 10, the EU countries completely stopped buying Russian coal, but its active shipments to Turkey continue, which maintains a high rate of freight on the market.

According to Sea Lines, on week 30, freight rates for shipping wheat by 3,000 dwt bulkers from Azov make $60 pmt to the Black Sea, $62 pmt to Marmara, $87 pmt to Mersin and $92 pmt to Egypt.