The Azov and Caspian Sea trade is still heavily influenced by the holidays in Russia.
The Caspian market is somehow holding the position. According to Rufko shipbrokers, this is mainly due to grain shipments, as steels are quite rare in this region.
River shipments from Middle and Upper Volga ports to Iran are also helping to keep the market away from falling.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov make $16-18 per ton.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are $14-16 per ton.
Current freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran make $31-34 per ton.
Apart from the Caspian, the Sea of Azov freights are continuing to lower down dramatically. The rates for TBS and Marmara are already worse than it was in May 2017.
Novorossiysk port is also has reduced handling of grain cargoes by 35% in comparison with the previous week.
However, stronger freight levels are expected for week 20.
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.