The struggle between traders and shippers for non-TMO deliveries has led to a slight stagnation on the freight market. At the beginning of the week, the rates on the Rostov to Marmara were at the level of $24 per ton of wheat; at the end of the week, the working level was already $22-23, Glogos Project reports.
For the first half of December, the market has not yet formed, since deals were actively concluded for the last dates of November / first days of December, and there are not many new contracts at the moment. The most active companies are those that have a large supply chain without reference to a single region and are able stay in tune with their customers in terms of conditions and volumes.
Problems with processing of phytosanitary documents for sunflower seeds make it difficult to work with this crop: the waiting time may take up to 15 days. Amid this, any hope that shipments of sunflower seeds will support the low wheat market is vain. Market participants expect that the rates will remain at the current level or slightly decrease in the short term. However, due to the upcoming ice situation in the region, the cost of voyages from the Azov ports will grow, therefore even a small decrease in the freight level becomes quite sensitive for owners.
The Black Sea coasters market is showing steady growth. It is safe to say that on week 47, the freight rate on the Kherson to Marmara basis was about $20-21 per ton of grain, which is quite a high level for this region. The growth dynamics is continuing, and owners believe that the positive mood will be maintained till the end of the year. It is worth noting the variety of cargo nomenclature and wide geography of destinations, which makes trade from Ukraine look more ‘marketable’ than shipments from Russia.
If export quota is introduced in Russia, the number of active market participants will certainly decrease. Based on the experience of April-June, producers will have a narrower market place, and the conditions for discussing prices will become tougher. At the same time, exporters will be more aggressive when entering into foreign contracts. Therefore, for those companies that clearly expect to receive the quota, working on the spot is not a priority to this date.
According to Glogos Project, on week 47, freight rates for 3,000-5,000 dwt vessels for wheat parcels to the Sea of Marmara made $23 pmt from Rostov and Azov, $22 pmt from Yeisk and Taganrog, and $20 from Temryuk.
Freight rates for coal to the Sea of Marmara made $22 pmt from Rostov and Azov, $21 pmt from Yeisk and Taganrog, and $19 from Temryuk.
Freight rates in the Caspian market declined.
Freight rates for 3,000 dwt vessels for barley to Iran made $22 pmt from Astrakhan, $18 from Aktau and $19 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.