Japanese coal imports have fallen 6% Q-o-Q to 44.84 MnT during the second quarter of CY19 (Apr-Jun’19) as against 47.79 MnT recorded in Q1 period of CY19 (Jan-Mar’19).
The gradual decline in coal intake could be attributed to the government’s reform intended to shift away from coal-fired generation which was further supplemented by ongoing nuclear restarts and low LNG spot prices— encouraging coal-to-gas switching.
Import volume in Q2 CY19 was also 3% lower on the year from 46.43 MnT recorded in Q2 CY18 period. Interestingly, monthly imports had witnessed a slight up-tick to 14.71 MnT in Jun’19 against 14.58 MnT in May’19, but were assessed comparatively lower than the levels attained in earlier months.
During the first half year period of CY19 (Jan-Jun’19), Japanese coal imports have fallen 3% Y-o-Y to 92.63 MnT, compared with 95.26 MnT in Jan-Jun’18 period.
Grade-wise Coal Imports in Q2 CY19:
A grade wise break-up of imports taken in Q2 CY19 indicates that Japan’s intake of non-coking coal had fell 12% Q-o-Q to 29.07 MnT. On the other hand, import of coking coal and other chief grades of coke/coal had unvaryingly moved up on the quarter period.
Japanese coking coal imports were marked 4% higher on the quarter at 10.39 MnT in Q2 CY19.
| Grade | Q2 CY19 | Q1 CY19 | % Change |
| Non Coking Coal | 29.07 | 32.95 | -12% |
| Coking Coal | 10.39 | 10 | 4% |
| Pet Coke | 1.52 | 1.32 | 15% |
| Anthracite | 1.75 | 0.94 | 86% |
| Met Coke | 0.31 | 0.14 | 121% |
| Others | 1.8 | 2.42 | -26% |
| Grand Total | 44.84 | 47.79 | -6% |
Source: Japanese customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Exporters:
Japanese power utilities driven by power sector reforms have continued to change their purchasing patterns, thereby diversifying sources of supply and purchasing more coal on short term contracts and at spot to minimize costs.
Consequently, Japanese imports from its major supplier-Australia, had fell down 12% Q-o-Q to 25.14 MnT in Q2 CY19, which was also 7% lower on the year from 27.14 MnT in Q2 CY18. Over the same period, imports from Russia and US had increased by 4% and 15% respectively on the y-o-y basis.
Imports from its second-largest supplier-Indonesia, was marked 16% lower on the quarter at 6.05 MnT in Q2 CY19, also decreasing 1% Y-o-Y from 6.11 MnT in Q2 CY18.
Source: Japanese customs | Quantity in MnT
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