USA coal exports have fallen for the fourth consecutive year in 2016 despite rise in monthly coal exports in Dec’16.
USA, Fourth-largest coal exporter in the world, witnessed a drop of 9% in the yearly coal exports. Coal exports have fallen by 9.53 MMst lower than in 2015. The exports in CY16 stood at 95 MMst against 104.53 MMst in 2015.
Monthly coal exports soared by 19% to 10.24 MMst, highest mark achieved in CY16, yet it was not sufficient to reach the total coal exports in CY15.
Grade-wise Coal Export in 2016:
Out of the total monthly exports, USA majorly shipped Metallurgical bituminous, Pet coke and Bituminous coal. These three grades account for more than 90% of the total coal exports in CY16. Other grades include Anthracite, Coke and other grades.
Exports of Metallurgical bituminous and bituminous coal have fallen over the year; however, Coke, Pet coke and anthracite coal exports have improved on the yearly basis.
| Grades | 2015 | 2016 | %Change |
| Bituminous | 24.41 | 16.64 | -32% |
| Metallurgical Bituminous | 41.75 | 37.13 | -11% |
| Pet coke | 36.54 | 39.32 | 8% |
| Coke | 0.78 | 0.91 | 17% |
| Anthracite | 0.30 | 0.36 | 20% |
| Others | 0.75 | 0.64 | -15% |
| Total | 104.53 | 95.00 | -9% |
Source: US Customs
Quantities in MMst
USA coal exports in 2016:
Slower growth in world coal demand and higher coal output in other coal-exporting nations have contributed to declining USA coal exports. USA coal production has also been hampered by the closure of many coal mines in the country and the international efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Country-wise Coal Exports in 2016:
India is the major coal importer in CY16 from the USA followed by Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea.
Coal Imports to India has increased by 30% Y-o-Y to 13.66 MMst in CY16 compared with 10.50 MMst in 2015.
Apart from India, Coal exports to Brazil and Mexico have improved compared with previous year. While all other major country’s coal imports from the USA declined on yearly basis.
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