There is nothing new in the Sea of Azov market. Turkish buyers are still inactive and trade is represented mostly by EMed, Greece and Italy.
Hopes for better market are waning day by day, the only thing that keeps the sea-river market alive is the tremendous coal output this year in Russia, which even may exceed the USSR figures, according to Rufco shipbrokers.
Developing countries are still having problems with national currencies exchange rate versus USD and it looks like the situation is going only to deteriorate further.
In case similar financial problems could occur in Euro zone, agri trade might halt and rates are to fall dramatically.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov make $23-24 per ton.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are $21-22 per ton.
The Caspian region is in the same position, Iranian buyers have similar problems with the national currency and presently are not active.
Cargoes ex Volga ports are mainly quoted to EMed or Italy or to STS at Kavkaz roads. Iranian parcels are quite rare and freight rates continue to decline slowly.
The current freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran remain at $26-28 per ton.
Please note that the rates cited in this article are average market rates. We ask our readers to pay attention that this information is not a commercial offer and cannot be an example for comparison in commercial disputes and arbitration proceedings.