Japan: Coal Imports Down 5% M-o-M in Apr’18

Japanese coal imports have dropped on the monthly basis in Apr’18, but were still 8% higher on the year than the levels attained during Apr’17.

According to the data provided by Japanese customs, coal import by the country has decreased 5% M-o-M to 15.4 MnT in Apr’18, compared with 16.29 MnT in Mar’18. However, on the yearly basis, Japanese imports had increase 8% from 14.24 MnT in Apr’17.

During the first 4 months of CY18, Japanese coal imports have witnessed a modest fall of 1% to 64.23 MnT against the import of 64.63 MnT coal recorded in Jan’17-Apr’17.

Grade-wise Coal Imports:
Imports of non-coking coal have dropped to its lowest monthly total for CY18. Non-coking coal imports were marked 9.85 MnT in Apr’18, down 12% M-o-M from 11.15 MnT in Mar’18.

Coking coal imports increased 18% M-o-M to 3.9 MnT in Apr’18 against 3.31 MnT in Mar’18.

Anthracite and Met Coke imports had also improved on the month in Apr’18, while Pet Coke imports had fell 21% M-o-M to 0.42 MnT in Apr’18.

Source: Japanese Customs
Quantity in MnT

Major Coal Exporters:
Australia remained the largest coal exporter, despite recording a slight decline in monthly coal export to Japan in Apr’18.

Australian coal exports fell 1% M-o-M to 9.48 MnT in Apr’18 against 9.62 MnT in Mar’18, but were 13% higher on the year compared with 8.37 MnT in Apr’17.

Indonesian coal export continued its declining trend in Apr’18. Coal export to Japan had fell 38% M-o-M to 1.66 MnT in Apr’18, which was also 25% lower on the year compared with 2.21 MnT in Apr’17.

Russia too had recorded a fall in monthly coal export to 1.46 MnT in Apr’18.

While, Canada, the fourth largest coal exporter in Apr’18, has seen its monthly exports crossing 1 MnT mark for the first time since Dec’16. Canadian coal export to Japan rose 107% M-o-M to 1.16 MnT in Apr’18.

Source: Japanese Customs | Quantity in MnT