The GASC tender for the purchase of wheat held on the reporting week created a mixed picture on the commodity market both in the Russian Federation and in the exports direction. Throughout the week, the freight rate on the Rostov to Marmara basis was traded between $25 and $29 per ton of wheat on the part of charterers and owners respectively. At the beginning of the week, many traders faced the situation when Turkish buyers were trying to demonstrate a decrease in demand for wheat and reduced purchase prices. Producers, in their turn, saw no reason to lower prices, especially in the Central regions, Glogos Project shipbrokers report.
After holding and announcing of the results of the GASC tender, Turkey became more active in negotiations and procurement. Not all traders though can work in conditions of sharp fluctuations in purchase prices and freight rates. In order to confirm the rates desired by owners, the purchase of goods was to have taken place on weeks 43-44, as now producers see the prospect of purchasing large volumes, so they are not in a hurry to reduce prices.
Despite the fact that the weather conditions gave extra time for owners to stand on their ideas, there appeared significantly more opening tonnage in the market by the end of the week. In general, the Azov region remained in the same positions on rates, but a decline, albeit temporary, looks unavoidable in the short-run.
The market may be saved from a sharp drop by demand for tonnage for sunflower seeds export on spot dates. On week 46, a decision is to be made on measures to limit sunflower seeds export, the main initiator of which is the Oilseed Union. The reason for taking this action is that production in the domestic market is only 70% loaded due to the lack of raw materials. In the period before the decision comes into force, a noticeable demand for fleet should be expected, as importers steadily show an increasing interest in purchasing raw materials.
For a few weeks, the freight market in the Southern regions has been in a very unstable state, which prevents participants from responding to changes in a timely manner and from planning long-term work. The main factor is the global issue of export restrictions and their concentration in the hands of key market participants. Since the dynamics of price growth in the domestic market and the desire to “hold” goods to the best prices run counter to the plans of exporters, freight volatility will continue at least until the end of 2020.
According to Glogos Project, on week 44, freight rates for 3,000-5,000 dwt vessels for wheat parcels to the Sea of Marmara made $25 pmt from Rostov and Azov, $24 pmt from Yeisk and Taganrog, and $23 from Temryuk.
Freight rates for coal to the Sea of Marmara made $24 pmt from Rostov and Azov, $23 pmt from Yeisk and Taganrog, and $22 from Temryuk.
Freight rates in the Caspian market also declined.
Freight rates for 3,000 dwt vessels for barley to Iran made $23 pmt from Astrakhan, $19 from Aktau and $20 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.