Freight traffic volumes through the ports located in Azov-Don basin area in January 2010 totaled in January this year 638.500 tons, a 46.5% gain over the same period 2008, "Southern region" agency reports citing the data of the Azov-Don basin authorities.

The agribulk exports to Mediterranean countries largely added to overall commodities traffic showing a 1.5 times growth, up to 352.74 tones.

The ports reported as much as 3.3 times gain, up to 18,073 tons of exported scrap metal to Turkey and Greece, at least 3.2 times growth in outbound oil products,129.000 tons against 40 tons exported in January last year. The exports rebound was due, the authorities said, to Rostov oil terminal (a branch of Novoshakhtinsk oil plant) that began its work in late 2009.

Throughput in ports of Azov-Don basin increased in 2009 by 9% compared with 2008, up to 20.781.000 tones.