Colombia, the world’s fifth largest coal exporter, has witnessed an uptick of 26% in monthly coal supplies during Apr’19, however, coal volumes had fell by an identical rate from the year-ago month.
Data provided by customs indicate that Colombia had exported 7.15 MnT coal in Apr’19 as against 5.66 MnT in Mar’19, which had decreased 26% Y-o-Y from 9.66 MnT in Apr’18.
The rise in monthly exports was supported by an appreciable growth in non-coking shipments, which had increased to its highest total for CY19. Apparently, non-coking coal exports grew 27% on the month to 6.65 MnT in Apr’19, accounting for 93% of the total volume during the month.
During the first quarter of CY19 (Jan’19-Mar’19), Colombia had produced 20.9 MnT coal, up 6.5% from the same period in CY18. The country has recorded a slight recovery this term as compared with previous year wherein heavy rains disrupted operation at major mines.
Consequently, coal output from the country had declined 7% Y-o-Y to 84.3 MnT in CY18.
However, global oversupply and increased competition have priced Colombian coal out of the Asian market, potentially encouraging miners to lower their 2019 production targets, which would likely have an adverse affect on the country’s coal exports.
Colombian exports have fallen 25% Y-o-Y to 24.84 MnT during the first 4 months of CY19 (Jan’19-Apr’19).
Major Coal Importers in Apr’19:
Turkey, Chile, Brazil and Israel had all noted their highest monthly coal intake from Colombia during Apr’19.
Turkish coal import was 1.73 MnT in Apr’19, up 24% M-o-M from 1.39 MnT in Mar’19, but down 12% Y-o-Y from 1.97 MnT in Apr’18.
Coal import by Chile increased 95% on the month to 0.72 MnT in Apr’19, but was 27% lower on the year from 0.98 MnT in Apr’18.
Brazil with 0.95 MnT coal import was the third-largest coal receiver from Colombia in Apr’19.
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