Coal news and updates

Thermal coal prices may rise $3-4/ton in 2016: trader

Although the recent spurt in South African coal prices is seen as a rather temporary phenomenon, a leading coal importer in India said prices are expected to see a $3-4 per ton FOB rise in the international markets this year.

“The prices are at rock-bottom levels. We don’t see any further fall from here,” an official from a trading firm told ICMW.

He said that instead of a further fall, thermal coal prices may actually go up by $3-4 per ton FOB in the coming months.

However, “the freight rates will play a big role in future price movements,” he said.

Thermal coal prices have come down by an average $10 per ton FOB over the last one year, according to data available with ICMW.