South Korean coal imports have continued its rising streak in Aug’18 on the monthly basis. As per the data provided by customs, coal import by the country had attained a 4-month high total of 13.42 MnT in Aug’18, which had increased 9% M-o-M from 12.34 MnT in Jul’18.
On the yearly basis, Imports in Aug’18 had came down marginally from 13.46 MnT recorded in Aug’17.
South Korea’s import of non-coking coal remain subdued Y-o-Y, despite peak power demand recorded in Aug’18, as the potential for greater nuclear growth in the final four months of CY18 (Sep’18-Dec’18) weighted on coal demand.
Non-coking coal import fell 5% Y-o-Y to 9.18 MnT in Aug’18, but was up 6% on the month from 8.7 MnT in Jul’18.
Total non-coking coal imports during the first 8-months of CY18 (Jan’18-Aug’18) have fallen 1% Y-o-Y to 71.29 MnT against 71.79 MnT in Jan’17-Aug’17. While coking coal imports in the same period of CY18 have increased 2% Y-o-Y to 16.46 MnT.
Country’s total coal imports have reached 100 MnT mark, recorded at 100.69 MnT in the 8-month period.
Grade-wise Coal Imports in Aug’18:
Import of Coking coal had witnessed the only noticeable fall on the month in Aug’18.
Coking coal imports was down 12% M-o-M to 1.85 MnT compared with 2.1 MnT in Jul’18.
Anthracite coal imports rose 36% on the month to 0.79 MnT, Pet coke increased to 0.14 MnT in Aug’18. Whereas Met coke imports remain stable at 0.03 MnT.
| Grades | Aug’18 | Jul’18 | % Change |
| Non Coking Coal | 9.18 | 8.7 | 6% |
| Coking Coal | 1.85 | 2.1 | -12% |
| Anthracite | 0.79 | 0.58 | 36% |
| Pet Coke | 0.14 | 0.11 | 27% |
| Met Coke | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0% |
| Others | 1.42 | 0.82 | 73% |
| Grand Total | 13.42 | 12.34 | 9% |
Source: South Korean Customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Exporters:
Australian coal export to South Korea rose to a 7-month high in Aug’18, increasing 24% M-o-M to 4.26 MnT. Exports were, however, 3% lower on the year than the levels attained in Aug’17.
Indonesian coal exports increased 9% M-o-M to 3.33 MnT in Aug’18 but were 11% lower on the year from 3.79 MnT in Aug’17.
Russian coal exports attained its highest monthly total for CY18 in Aug. Export to Korea was 3.09 MnT, rising both on the monthly and yearly basis in Aug’18.
Coal supplies from Canada dropped 3% on the month to 1.23 MnT in Aug’18. South African coal export to Korea rebounded after falling to its lowest monthly total in Jul’18, were marked at 0.58 MnT in Aug’18.
Source: South Korean customs
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