Japanese coal imports have rebounded after falling in Feb’19, to record 8% growth on the monthly basis during Mar’19.
Data provided by customs indicates that Japanese coal imports had increased to 16.11 MnT in Mar’19 as against 14.89 MnT in Feb’19. Imports were, however, slightly lower on the year from 16.29 MnT in Mar’18.
The country had witnessed an increased coal supply from Australia and Russia during Mar’19, which was enough to overcome the slump in coal shipments recorded from Indonesia.
In the first quarter of CY19 (Jan’19-Mar’19), Japan’s coal imports have fell 2% Y-o-Y to 47.79 MnT, compared with 48.83 MnT in Q1 CY18.
Grade-wise Coal Imports:
Japan’s non-coking coal imports grew 8% M-o-M to 11.07 MnT in Mar’19 compared with 10.22 MnT in Feb’19.Imports of coking coal were up 22% on the month to 3.62 MnT in Mar’19.
Anthracite coal imports had recorded remarkable jump during the month, rising 82% M-o-M to 0.4 MnT in Mar’19.
In terms of imports of coke, Pet coke intake had slightly come down on the month, recorded at 0.4 MnT in Mar’19. While Met coke imports remained stable on the month at 0.02 MnT.
| Grades | Mar’19 | Feb’19 | % Change |
| Non Coking Coal | 11.07 | 10.22 | 8% |
| Coking Coal | 3.62 | 2.96 | 22% |
| Pet Coke | 0.4 | 0.41 | -2% |
| Anthracite | 0.4 | 0.22 | 82% |
| Met Coke | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0% |
| Others | 0.6 | 1.06 | -43% |
| Grand Total | 16.11 | 14.89 | 8% |
Source: Japanese customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Exporters:
Australia remained the largest coal supplier to Japan, but had recorded a slight decline in terms of share in total volume.
In line with the power sector reforms, the purchasing patterns of Japanese power utilities have shifted, with utilities increasingly diversifying their sources of supply and purchasing more coal on short term contracts and on spot markets to minimise cost.
In the first quarter of CY19, Australian coal exports have fallen 5% Y-o-Y to 28.42 MnT, accompanied by a fall in share from 61% to 59% during the period.
Exports in Mar’19 had increased 3% M-o-M to 9.22 MnT, but were 4% lower on the year from 9.62 MnT in Mar’18.
Indonesian coal export to Japan decreased 17% M-o-M to 2.27 MnT in Mar’19, which was also 15% lower on the year from 2.67 MnT in Mar’18.
Japan’s third-largest coal supplier, Russia, had exported 1.66 MnT coal in Mar’19,while recording a growth of 77% M-o-M.
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