Japan: Coal Imports Down 2% M-o-M in Aug’17

Japan’s coal import has fell by 2% on the monthly basis to 16.77 MnT in Aug’17, according to the customs data. The country had imported 17.17 MnT coal in Jul’17. While, on the yearly basis, Japan has recorded 6% growth in Aug’17 coal imports compared with 15.87 MnT in Aug’16.

Coal has always been an important part of Japan’s energy mix, but its dependence increased dramatically after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The accident caused sudden closure of nuclear plants; consequently coal-fired plants had to increase their generation in order to meet the energy demand in the country.

Since, the country lacks sufficient domestic coal availability for power generation, they had to procure coal requirement through imports. Total coal import in CY17 (till Aug) has increased 2% Y-o-Y to 131.29 MnT compared with 128.23 MnT during Jan’16-Aug’16 period.

Grade-wise Coal Imports:
Import of majorly preferred Non-coking coal has increased 2% M-o-M to 11.69 MnT in Aug’17 compared with 11.43 MnT in Jul’17. During the same period, Coking coal imports fell 6% M-o-M to 3.19 MnT.

While, Imports of the other major coal grades (Anthracite, Met Coke, and Pet Coke) have recorded growth during the month in Aug’17.

Source: Japanese Customs
Quantity in MnT

Major Coal Exporters:
Australia remained the top coal exporter to Japan in Aug’17, followed by Indonesia, Russia, Canada and China.

Australian coal export rose 4% M-o-M to 10.18 MnT in Aug’17, besides increasing 13% Y-o-Y compared with 9 MnT in Aug’16.

Indonesia recorded 23% decline in monthly coal export to Japan. The country had supplied 2.54 MnT coal in Aug’17 against 3.3 MnT in Jul’17. Exports were also down 16% Y-o-Y compared with 3.01 MnT in Aug’16.

Russia was the third-largest coal exporter in Aug’17. Coal export from Russia was 9% down on the month to 1.65 MnT in Aug’17, which was still 9% higher on the year compared with 1.52 MnT in Aug’16.

Source: Customs | Quantity in MnT