Trading activity remains vibrant this week, with an influx of fresh cargo orders. However, further rates increase is only evident in the Coaster segment, informed Pavlo Lysenko, analyst with ASAP Agri, freight broker with Atria Brokers.

Coaster fleet owners have successfully pushed rates further up amid the wide availability of cargoes from Ukrainian ports and a reduced tonnage supply for the first half of October. Freight for coasters carrying corn from Ukrainian Danube ports to East Coast Italy have risen by 2 USD/MT 31-32 USD/MT. 

Panamax freight rates, according to Atria Brokers' freight department, remain at last done levels. Freights for Panamax vessels carrying corn or wheat from POC ports to South China remain unchanged at 48-50 USD/MT.

Handysize rates are also holding steady, as the tonnage supply is still sufficient and more firm cargoes are needed to push rates higher. Freight for Handysize vessels carrying corn from POC ports to East Coast Italy remain at 23-24 USD/MT.

No positive changes for barge owners yet; freight rates remain at the bottom. Freight for corn transportation from Reni or Izmail to Constanta remains at 9-10 EUR/MT. 

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