Russian coal exports have surged during the month, however, proposed law may undermine exports if approved.
Russia is the third-largest coal exporter in the world after Australia and Indonesia. The country’s coal exports have surged 70% M-o-M to 16.69 MnT in May’17, according to the customs data.
Monthly exports in May’17 has also increased 41% Y-o-Y compared with 11.84 MnT in May’16.
Total coal exported by Russia during Jan’17-May’17 has increased by 12% to 69.39 MnT, compared with 62.06 MnT coal exported during Jan’16-May’16.
Russian Coal Ban Proposal:
Russian Coal Exports will be undermined as the Government is proposing a ban on coal handling at the country’s sea port terminals effective from Nov’17, according to sources. The action has been taken to curb pollution due to coal dust carried by wind from nearby sea port terminals.
The ban, if approved would affect Russia’s 23 port terminals, and thus cut down coal handling by a total of 60 MnT.
Grade-wise Coal Exports in May’17:
Non-Coking coal exports accounted for more than 75% of the total Russian coal exports during the month. Non-coking coal exports have increased by 65% Y-o-Y to 12.73 MnT in May’17.
Coking coal exports rose by a whopping 176% M-o-M to 2.46 MnT.
| Grade | May’17 | Apr’17 | M-o-M |
| Non Coking Coal | 12.73 | 7.73 | 65% |
| Coking Coal | 2.46 | 0.89 | 176% |
| Anthracite | 1.39 | 0.92 | 51% |
| Met Coke | 0.07 | 0.1 | -30% |
| Pet Coke | 0.01 | 0.16 | -94% |
| Others | 0.03 | 0.01 | 200% |
| Grand Total | 16.69 | 9.81 | 70% |
Source: Russian customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Importers:
South Korea has overtaken China to become largest coal importer from Russia in May’17. Imports from Russia rose 90% M-o-M to 2.43 MnT in May’17. Also, the country has registered a growth of 39% on the yearly basis.
China, second-largest coal importer during the month, received 2.1 MnT coal in May’17, with an increase of 56% M-o-M.
Japan, Taiwan, Turkey and Netherlands were the other major coal importers during the month.
Russian Coal Imports:
Russia also imports coal, majorly from its neighbouring country Kazakhstan. Russian coal imports have increased 19% M-o-M to 1.73 MnT in May’17.
The country has imported 8.63 MnT coal during Jan’17-May’17, with Kazakhstan catering more than 90% of the coal requirement during the period.
| Country | May’17 | Apr’17 | May’16 |
| Kazakhstan | 1.48 | 1.32 | 1.44 |
| Ukraine | 0.19 | 0.09 | 0.11 |
| Azerbaijan | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| Others | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.04 |
| Total | 1.73 | 1.45 | 1.62 |
Source: Russian customs
Quantity in MnT
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