Coal volume imported by Japan have recovered in Mar’18, from the sizeable decline in Feb’18.
As per the data provided by Japanese customs, the country’s coal import has increased 6% M-o-M to 16.29 MnT in Mar’18, against 15.4 MnT in Feb’18. However, on the yearly basis, imports had decreased 4% from 17.05 MnT in Mar’17.
During the first quarter of CY18 (Jan’18-Mar’18), Japan’s coal imports totaled 48.43 MnT, 4% lower on the year compared with 50.40 MnT in Jan’17-Mar’17.
Coal import by the country is likely to decline modestly, as against the backdrop of sluggish power demand; the rapid deployment of renewable power is expected to reduce the need for more thermal coal imports.
Grade-wise Coal Imports:
Japan’s Non-coking coal imports had increased 9% M-o-M to 11.15 MnT in Mar’18, against 10.24 MnT in Feb’18. Imports of Met coke and Pet coke had also recorded similar growth of 96% and 29%, in Mar’18.
Coking coal imports stood 3.31 MnT in Mar’18, which along with Anthracite coal shipments had fallen on the monthly basis.
| Grade | Mar’18 | Feb’18 | M-o-M |
| Non Coking Coal | 11.15 | 10.24 | 9% |
| Coking Coal | 3.31 | 3.55 | -7% |
| Pet Coke | 0.53 | 0.27 | 96% |
| Anthracite | 0.39 | 0.41 | -5% |
| Met Coke | 0.09 | 0.07 | 29% |
| Others | 0.83 | 0.86 | -3% |
| Grand Total | 16.29 | 15.4 | 6% |
Source: Japanese Customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Exporters:
Australia remained the top coal exporter, but its monthly coal share to Japan had fallen 6% in Mar’18. Australian coal export was 9.62 MnT in Mar’18 against 10.22 MnT in Feb’18, the country’s export had also fell 3% Y-o-Y compared with 9.91 MnT in Mar’17.
Indonesian coal exports rose 34% M-o-M to 2.67 MnT in Mar’18, but were 9% lower on the year compared with 2.95 MnT in Mar’17.
Russia overtook US to become the third-largest coal exporter in Mar’18. Russian coal exports jumped 65% M-o-M to 1.53 MnT, while the US had exported 1.38 MnT coal during the month.
Source: Japanese Customs | Quantity in MnT
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