Japan, world’s second-largest coal importer, has recorded an increase in coal imports during the first half of 2017. The country’s import has increased 2% Y-o-Y to 97.37 MnT in Jan’17-Jun’17 compared with 95.51 MnT in Jan’16-Jun’16.
On the monthly basis, Coal Import has surged by 18% to 17.71 MnT in Jun’17 compared with 15.01 MnT in May’17.
Moreover, Imports in Jun’17 were 19% higher than 14.94 MnT coal imported during Jun’16.
After the closure of nuclear reactors in the wake of 2011 Fukushima Disaster, coal’s share in Japan’s energy mix has increased to 31%. The country is planning to build 41 new coal-fired power stations over the next decade.
Grade-wise Coal Imports:
Japan has majorly imported Non-Coking coal during H1 CY17, whose share was more than 66% in country’s total coal import.
Non-coking coal imports have increased 4% Y-o-Y to 65.17 MnT during Jan’17-Jun’17.
Among the other major coal commodities, imports of Coking coal and Met coke have decreased over the year, while imports of Anthracite and Pet coke have recorded growth during the year.
| Grade | H1 CY17 | H1 CY16 | % Change |
| Non Coking Coal | 65.17 | 62.45 | 4% |
| Coking Coal | 20.84 | 21.2 | -2% |
| Anthracite | 3.53 | 2.96 | 19% |
| Pet Coke | 2.46 | 2.39 | 3% |
| Met Coke | 0.54 | 1.1 | -51% |
| Others | 4.81 | 5.43 | -11% |
| Grand Total | 97.37 | 95.51 | 2% |
Source: Japanese Customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Exporters:
Australia was the major coal exporter to Japan during H1 CY17, followed by Indonesia, Russia, USA and Canada.
Australia had exported 59.04 MnT coal in Jan’17-Jun’17, the country’s coal export remained almost unchanged during the first half of CY17 in comparison with export during the same time frame of previous year.
Indonesia, second-largest coal exporter, had exported 15.8 MnT coal during Jan’17-Jun’17, down by 6% Y-o-Y.
Major improvement in coal export was seen from USA, whose exports have increased 47% Y-o-Y to 6.03 MnT in Jan’17-Jun’17.
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