South African coal exports have dropped 9% M-o-M in Apr’18, on the other hand, export to its largest customer, India, had hit year-high total during the month.
According to the data provided by South African customs, monthly coal export by the country had fell to 6.86 MnT in Apr’18 against 7.53 MnT in Mar’18, but was still 8% higher on the year than the levels attained during Apr’17.
South African Bituminous coal exports had fell 8% on the month to 6.61 MnT, while Anthracite coal exports was down 10% M-o-M to 0.18 MnT in Apr’18.
During the first 4 months of CY18 (Jan’18-Apr’18), South African coal exports have totaled 27.31 MnT, with an increase of 6% Y-o-Y compared with the exports of 25.85 MnT coal recorded in Jan’17-Apr’17.
Of late, the prevailing supply tightness has resulted in a spike in South African coal offers for exports. While, the country’s largest power producer, Eskom has also reported coal shortage at its power plant.
To address the short-term imbalance of coal, Eskom is set to have implemented a recovery plan which includes securing additional coal supplies for the affected stations and a further redirection of coal stock is underway to address the imbalance. Currently, the company is also negotiating tenders for 100 MnT coal that is required for the next 5 years.
It may be noted that South Africa produces an average of 224 MnT of marketable coal annually, of which 25% of the production is exported. The remainder of South Africa’s coal production feeds the various local industries: 53% is used for electricity generation, 33% for petrochemical industries, 12% for metallurgical industries and 2% for domestic heating and cooking.
Major Coal Importers in Apr’18:
Indian coal imports had rose to its highest monthly total in Apr’18, increasing 16% on the month to 3.41 MnT, compared with 2.94 MnT in Mar’18. The demand for pre-monsoon restocking had incited higher coal imports in Apr’18. However, on the yearly basis, import was 3% lower from 3.51 MnT in Apr’17.
Pakistan was the second-largest coal importer during the month. Country’s import had increased 24% M-o-M to 1.34 MnT in Apr’18, which was also 37% higher on the year compared with 0.98 MnT in Apr’17.
South Korean coal import had decreased 33% M-o-M to 0.81 MnT in Apr’18, but was marked 376% higher on the year compared with imports of 0.17 MnT in Apr’17.
Of the other major coal importers, Sri Lanka and Spain had not recorded any coal imports in Apr’18.
Source: South African Customs | Quantity in MnT
Leave a Reply