Japan: Coal Imports Witness Modest Decline in Oct’18

Japanese coal imports have recorded modest decline in Oct’18 on the monthly basis. As per the data provided by Japanese customs, the country has imported 15.91 MnT coal in Oct’18 against 15.98 MnT in Sep’18.

Imports in Oct’18 had also decreased 3% on the year from 16.46 MnT in Oct’17.

While Japan has been reluctant to make an extensive return to nuclear power since the 2011 disaster at the Fukushima reactor, a total of five nuclear reactors have been restarted in-country by the end of Oct’18.

The country’s coal imports have consequently been affected by the ongoing restart of nuclear reactors. During the first 10 months of CY18 (Jan’18-Oct’18), Japan has imported 161.89 MnT coal, down 1% Y-o-Y from 163.24 MnT recorded in the same period of CY17.

Grade-wise Coal Imports:
Imports of non-coking and coking coal had extended its monthly fall in Oct’18.

Japanese non-coking coal imports had decreased 1% M-o-M to 10.48 MnT, Coking coal import was down 3% M-o-M to 3.4 MnT in Oct’18.

Anthracite coal imports ended its three month’s rising streak, as it fell 8% M-o-M to 0.56 MnT in Oct’18.

Pet coke and Met coke imports were up 4% and 17% on the month respectively, in Oct’18.

Source: Japanese customs
Quantity in MnT

Major Coal Exporters:
Coal supplies from Australia had dropped to a 4-month low in Oct’18. Australian coal exports had decreased 9% M-o-M to 8.8 MnT, which was also 7% lower on the year from 9.48 MnT in Oct’17.

Indonesian coal export to Japan had increased 5% on the month to 2.17 MnT in Oct’18, but was down 12% on the year from 2.46 MnT in Oct’17.

Russian monthly coal export had crossed the 2 MnT mark for the second time in CY18, while rising 53% M-o-M to 2.03 MnT in Oct’18. Exports on the yearly basis were, however, down 11% from 2.29 MnT in Oct’17.

US, Canada, China, Mozambique and Colombia were among the other major coal exporters in Oct’18.

Source: Japanese customs | Quantity in MnT