By the end of the 36th week, rates in Azov coasters freight market settled at a working level of about $21 per ton of wheat on the Rostov to Marmara basis. Compared to the week before, they gained an average of $1-2; grain prices that grew on the CPT and FOB basis among producers and sellers kept the rates from further rise. At the same time, contracts were mostly concluded on shipments in the first half or mid-September. No new contracts with shipments at the end of September were announced, according to Glogos Project, negotiations on them will begin on weeks 37tand 38 weeks.
Although buyers are doing their best to stand against price increases, this does not lead to a decline on the Azov market. The rising grain prices are a global trend, and prices in the Black Sea region only follow the indicators of the European and American markets. At some point, it might seem that consignees would suspend purchases and try to delay negotiations in order to get a more attractive price. However, in fact, they are likely to be ready to accept the price increase. Thus, Egypt, one of the main indicators of the grain market, has purchased though a small amount, but at a higher price.
Deep-water ports announced a hike in transshipment costs; it affects the grain price in the port along with grain elevators’ restrictions on the acceptance of grain trucks that exceed the permissible weight. In the current situation, subject to rising grain prices, working in spot, with small parcels, becomes the most attractive. In that scenario, the Azov ports have few competitors, if any.
The grain price has also increased on UA origin, while sunflower harvesting and rains in Ukraine delay delivery of cargo to ports a bit. Charterers from Ukrainian ports have reported seasonal difficulties as producers are more involved in harvesting than in negotiations and new sales. However, it cannot be said that there is no cargo at all in the ports. Rather, the available volumes do not allow the market to develop further.
In general, the rates in the Azov and Black Sea regions are likely to remain the same during the week 37. There may be fluctuations of $1-2, as a reaction to the movements in commodity markets, but that is all. The level of rates for coasters for voyages to the Eastern and Central coasts of the Mediterranean has not yet reached the psychological limit of $20; no significant changes expected compared to the previous week. The situation may last for up to two weeks; it is expected to change by the end of September.
According to Glogos Project, on week 36, freight rates for 3,000-5,000 dwt vessels for wheat parcels to the Sea of Marmara made $21 pmt from Rostov and Azov, $20 pmt from Yeisk and Taganrog, and $18 from Temryuk.
Freight rates for coal to the Sea of Marmara made $20 pmt from Rostov and Azov, $19 pmt from Yeisk and Taganrog, and $17 from Temryuk.
In the Caspian region, freight rates remained on the previous week’s level.
Freight rates for 3,000 dwt vessels for barley to Iran made $20 pmt from Astrakhan, $16 from Aktau and $17 pmt from Makhachkala.
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.
Photo by Alexander Belenkiy, https://macos.livejournal.com