Coal news and updates

Chinese demand helps boost demand for Queensland coking coal

Queensland’s dominant commodity, coking coal, is back in demand again with its price spiking to $US153 a ton in recent weeks, a rise of almost 10 per cent.

China’s steel production growth and tighter domestic coal supplies were probably driving the rebound for coal prices, which have been on a roller-coaster in the past year.

Critical shortages in China last year drove the price to record territory of $US310 a ton and earlier this year Cyclone Debbie knocked out the Queensland coal train network forcing the price back above $US300.

It comes as iron ore prices have shown signs of recovery, also because of pollution issues in China and stronger demand for steel which is also a factor in the coking coal price.

Commodity analysts at Platts said a report from financial research company FBR said import data showed a loss in May from Australia, which had left China more reliant on domestic coking coal and drawing down stockpiles.

“Strong Chinese steel fundamentals offer the best explanation for the recent recovery in met coal prices,” FBR said.

“Monthly Chinese steel production has hit an highest in April and has remained near these record levels through May.

“Yet Chinese met coal production has remained relatively constrained.”

FBR also cited steel margins in China at high levels, as steel prices rose on demand led by rebar amid lower iron ore costs, as well as the decline from an earlier peak in coal prices.

Since the Cyclone Debbie damage, mine production has been surging in a bid to catch up.

FBR said that Queensland port loadings had recovered to 19.8 million tons in June, which was above the 2016 average monthly shipments, of 18.4 million tons.

Source: courier mail