South Korea: Coal Imports Record Modest Gain in H1 CY18

South Korea has witnessed slight increase in coal imports during the first half of the CY18. Total coal import by the country in Jan’18-Jun’18 has been recorded at 74.73 MnT against 74.17 MnT in Jan’17-Jun’17, noting a minor rise of 1% on the year-on-year basis.

South Korean coal imports was low on the year-on-year basis in the beginning of CY18, but had gained momentum during Mar’18-May’18. However, imports had again fallen on the yearly basis in Jun’18.

As per the data provided by customs, South Korean coal imports in Jan’18 was down 8% Y-o-Y to 11.73 MnT from 12.75 MnT in Jun’17, which was also slightly lower on the month from 11.68 MnT in May’17.

Grade-wise Coal Imports in H1 CY18:
South Korean imports of Coking and Non-coking coal had remain almost unchanged during the half year period, gaining modest change from the corresponding period in CY17.

Non-Coking coal import was 53.41 MnT in Jan’18-Jun’18, against 53.29 MnT in Jan’17-Jun’17. While Coking coal import was recorded at 12.51 MnT, with an increase of 1% Y-o-Y.

Anthracite coal imports by the country have increased by 21% Y-o-Y to 4.08 MnT in Jan’18-Jun’18.

Source: South Korean Customs
Quantity in MnT

Major Coal Exporters:
Australia, Indonesia and Russia remained the top-3 major coal supplier to South Korea in Jan’18-Jun’18. However, only Russia has witnessed rise in coal exports during the half year period.

Australian coal export to Korea fell by 2% Y-o-Y to 22.03 MnT, Indonesian export was down 6% 18.62 MnT in Jan’18-Jun’18. On the other hand, Russian coal export had increased 6% Y-o-Y to 14.32 MnT.

South Korea had also witness substantial growth in coal supplies from Canada and South Africa during the half year period.

Source: South Korean Customs | Quantity in MnT