South African coal exports have rebounded after falling to its lowest monthly total over a year in Jul’18, by fetching a 32% increase in Aug’18.
As per the data provided by South African customs, coal export from the country rose to 6.77 MnT in Aug’18 against 5.13 MnT in Jul’18, but was 5% lower on the year than the levels attained in Aug’17.
South Africa’s major coal buyers- India and Pakistan, both had witness an uptick in imports during Aug’18; however, it was the Netherlands which had boosted its coal purchases from South Africa during the month.
Market participants have informed that more shipments of low quality Australian coal was shipped to India, with surplus supply encouraging Australian sellers to uncut prices for the Indian buyers, which ultimately depressed the demand for South African coal.
Consequently, following a build-up of coal stock at RBCT, more of the South African coal volume was shipped to Netherlands during the month.
Total coal export during the first 8 months of CY18 (Jan’18-Aug’18) has totaled 51.91 MnT, marginally coming down from 52.49 MnT recorded during the same period last year.
Major Coal Importers:
Indian coal imports increased 3% M-o-M to 2.96 MnTY in Aug’18 compared with 2.87 MnT in Jul’18, but were 4% lower on the year from 3.09 MnT in Aug’17.
Pakistan’s coal imports rose 44% M-o-M to 0.89 MnT in Aug’18 against 0.62 MnT in Jul’18, which was also around 1% higher on the year from 0.88 MnT in Aug’17.
Netherlands replaced South Korea to become the third largest coal receiver from South Africa. Coal import by the Netherlands grew nearly 8 folds to 0.67 MnT in Aug’18, which was also 16% higher on the year than the levels attained in Aug’17.
South Korean coal imports dropped 71% M-o-M to a modest of 0.12 MnT in Aug’18.
Mozambique, Taiwan, UAE and Senegal were among the other major coal receivers during the month.
Source: South African customs | Quantity in MnT
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