On the 4th week freight rates in the Azov–Black Sea region continued to strengthen, climbing to USD 43 per ton for shipments of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara sea ports. This significant week-on-week increase is driven by ongoing delays in the Kerch Strait and a lack of available spot tonnage. In addition, more companies are becoming active ahead of the introduction of the traditionally imposed export quotas from mid-February. The export duty on Russian wheat will remain at zero for the second consecutive week as of January 21. Export duties on barley and corn also remain at zero. In the Baltic and North Seas, an increase in spot tonnage availability is being observed, allowing charterers to feel more confident. At the same time, shipowners are seeking to maintain freight rates and are currently succeeding in keeping them at last week’s levels. For freight rates please visit our website https://sealines.su/en/market-news/