Australia, largest coal exporter in the world witnessed an increase in their monthly coal shipments. Australia exported 31 MnT coal in Mar’17 against 28.49 MnT in Feb’17, thus recording a growth of 9% M-o-M.
However, Monthly exports in Mar’17 were lower by 6% Y-o-Y compared with 32.81 MnT in Mar’16, as per data released by the Australian customs.
Coal Exports in 2017:
During the first quarter of 2017 (Jan’17-Mar’17), Australia has exported 89.53 MnT coal. Exports have fallen by 5% Y-o-Y compared with 93.82 MnT coal exported during the first quarter of 2016.
Grade-wise Coal Exports:
Australia exports both thermal and metallurgical grade of coal. In fact, Australia is the largest exporter of coking coal and second-largest in thermal coal.
During Mar’17, exports of both Steaming (thermal) coal and Hard Coking coal rose by 12% M-o-M. While exports of Semi-soft coking coal fell by 5% M-o-M to 4.79 MnT.
| Grades | Mar’17 | Feb’17 | %Change |
| Steaming Coal | 16.46 | 14.67 | 12% |
| Hard Coking Coal | 9.76 | 8.75 | 12% |
| Semi-Soft Coking Coal | 4.79 | 5.06 | -5% |
| Total | 31.00 | 28.49 | 9% |
Source: Australian Customs
Quantities in MnT
Major Importing Countries:
Japan remained the major coal importer from Australia in Mar’17, followed by China, South Korea and India.
Japan recorded a growth of 7% M-o-M in their monthly imports. The country received 9.50 MnT in Mar’17 compared with 8.92 MnT in Feb’17. Imports also rose on the yearly basis in comparison with 9.30 MnT in Mar’16.
China, second-largest coal importer, continued their trend of aggressively importing coal after reducing domestic coal production and banning coal imports from North Korea.
China’s coal import from Australia increased 50% M-o-M to 8.90 MnT in Mar’17.
South Korea third-largest coal importer received 3.78 MnT in Mar’17. Imports fell by 7% M-o-M from 4.06 MnT in Feb’17 and 27% Y-o-Y from 5.19 MnT in Mar’16.
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