A total of 19.3 million tonnes of various goods were transported by rail in Poland in August, up 3% month-on-month but down 9% year-on-year. The period from January 1 to August 31, 2023 ended with rail transportation of almost 153.3 million tonnes of cargo, down 8% year-on-year.
There is a lull on the Chinese iron ore market due to the holiday from September 29 to October 6 devoted to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Indicative prices hold steady.
In early October, the offer of imported thermal coal was limited on the West European market, but this fact has failed to support the corresponding quotes. Importers’ demand is moderate. Players have reported a number of signed deals for high-calorie coal, but without any contract details so far.
U.S. wheat prices have declined due to large global supplies and increased U.S. production estimates. Players have reported higher buying interest in wheat of various origins from Asian importers as world supplies are expected to tighten and prices are projected to rise in the coming months due to lower production in Australia and Argentina.
Prices for Kazakh wheat are growing, which reduces the interest of major importers in signing new deals. This year’s harvest problems remain the key reason for the upturn.
Grain export quotes have shown a noticeable drop on the Russian market. Pressure on prices came from slow trade caused by heavy crop and high export potential this season. According to country’s Agriculture Ministry, the gross grain harvest may reach 135 million t including 90 million t of wheat
In October, the rental rates for gondola cars remained at the September level. Market participants were divided on the price dynamics for the next months. Some operators believe that in November and December the cost will gradually decline to ₴280-300 per day (hereinafter excluding VAT).
A total of 12,200 wagons were waiting for unloading at Ukraine’s western land border crossing points on October 11, down 796 wagons compared with September 30.
During a meeting of Ukrainian, Romanian, and Moldovan railroaders, Valerii Tkachev, Director of the Commercial Department of Ukrzaliznytsia JSC, said that discounts on tariffs for the transportation of Ukrainian agricultural products have not yet been introduced.
Most Turkish steel mills are slow to purchase imported steel scrap given extremely dull sales of finished steel products. So, new deals are signed in case of providing significant discounts only.