No major shifts have been reported on the Azov Sea freight market this week. Demand for Russian wheat remains weak in Turkey, while exporters are not ready to make price concessions. Only grain shipments to the Kavkaz port road remain rather regular. Mid-Aug tonnage list has grown further in the basin, but still, the number open vessels is rather small; freight rates hold steady. Grain traders still offer $16-16.5/t for spot transportation of 3,000 t of wheat from Rostov/Azov to the Marmara Sea, while relevant deals are mainly signed at $17/t. Charterers are ready to pay a little more, $18/t, for a similar shipment in late Aug (which is quite typical for the current grain season). Infirm offers for transportation of 3-5,000 t of grain from Azov or Yeisk to Egypt are voiced by charterers at mid-high $20s/t, but owners are seeking to get at least $30/t. Exports of coal and steel scrap also remain inactive. Charterers now offer $12-13/t for shipment of 3-5,000 t of coal from Rostov to TBS and $14-15/t to the Marmara Sea. At the same time, ship owners have managed to get almost $16/t for transportation to Constanta. Deals for shipments of steel scrap from Rostov to the Marmara Sea are discussed at very low $20s/t.