Weak trend in international coal markets
13 Jun 2014
June 13: Lack of demand from Indian and Chinese companies caused a weak trend in international coal markets as prices softened further for all varieties, except Australian, market sources said.
Most of the Indian companies have already booked their cargo for monsoon consumption and the next round of buying is likely to emerge only towards end of July, they felt.
On the other hand Chinese demand for imported coal is still believed to be at lower levels allegedly on fund crunch and lower domestic prices, they added.
In absence of deals for coal, the freight rates too softened further, sources said.
Following are the indicative prices of coal in various markets and indicative freight rates on June 12:
Description of Coal |
Specification |
Price/ton (in $ and FOB) |
||||
As on, |
As on, |
Week ago, |
6-month ago, |
Year ago, |
||
June 12, 2014 |
June 11, 2014 |
June 5, 2014 |
December 13, 2013 |
June 13, 2013 |
||
South African Steam Coal |
6000 Kcal/kg NAR |
73.60 |
73.80 |
75.75 |
86.10 |
77.50 |
South African Steam Coal |
5500 Kcal/kg NAR |
66.25 |
66.25 |
67.20 |
68.50 |
- |
Australian Steam Coal |
6300 Kcal/kg GAR |
72.20 |
71.90 |
72.25 |
84.60 |
83.60 |
Indonesian Steam Coal |
5900 Kcal/kg GAR |
66.75 |
66.75 |
67.20 |
69.75 |
73.00 |
Indonesian Steam Coal |
5000 Kcal/kg GAR |
55.20 |
55.25 |
55.50 |
57.25 |
60.20 |
Indonesian Steam Coal |
4200 Kcal/kg GAR |
37.30 |
37.40 |
37.50 |
38.60 |
43.00 |
Indonesian Steam Coal |
3800 Kcal/kg GAR |
31.25 |
31.25 |
31.50 |
32.80 |
36.60 |
Hard Coking Coal (Australian) |
VM-20.7%, Ash-10.5% |
113.00 |
113.50 |
113.50 |
136.00 |
136.50 |
Premium Low Vol |
VM-21.5%, Ash-9.3% |
112.00 |
112.00 |
112.00 |
134.00 |
135.25 |
Semi Soft |
77.80 |
77.80 |
76.80 |
92.00 |
97.50 |
|
Met Coke (CFR India) |
214.00 |
214.00 |
212.00 |
272.00 |
265.00 |
Freight Rate:
Destination |
(in $/ton) |
||||
As on |
As on |
Week ago, |
6-month ago, |
Year ago, |
|
June 12, |
June 11, |
June 5, |
December 13, |
June 13, |
|
South Africa (RBCT) to India (West Coast) |
13.80 |
14.00 |
13.40 |
18.00 |
13.80 |
South Africa (RBCT) to India (East Coast) |
13.10 |
13.60 |
14.30 |
18.40 |
14.10 |
Indonesia (Kalimantan) to India (West Coast) |
8.80 |
9.00 |
9.30 |
13.00 |
8.50 |
Indonesia (Kalimantan) to India (East Coast) |
7.80 |
8.00 |
8.40 |
11.40 |
7.30 |
Australia to India |
14.30 |
14.80 |
15.50 |
19.00 |
14.50 |
Source: Traders & ICMW data base