North African grain imports are expected to show healthy growth over the next 12 months, boosting prospects for the bulker trades.

Analysts expect a positive impact for long-haul and short-haul business.

Shipbroker Simpson Spence Young (SSY) said North African demand is poised to support short-haul ­voyages from the Black Sea, France and the Baltic.

“The region is forecast to become the world’s top wheat-importing region in 2020/21 for the first time in three years,” it said in its monthly report to clients.