Russian coal exports have rebounded after falling in Apr’18, to record an increase of 29% in May’18. As per the data provided by Russian customs, the country has noted coal exports of 17.97 MnT in May’18 against 13.94 MnT in Apr’18.
On the yearly basis, exports were 8% higher than the levels attained in May’17. In fact, the country has recorded higher exports during each of the first five months of CY18 on the year-on basis.
Russia’s coal exports have totaled 79.16 MnT during Jan’18-Jun’18, up 14% from the corresponding period’s total of 69.38 MnT in CY17.
Grade-wise Coal Exports:
Export of all the major coal grades have increased on the monthly basis in May’18. Non-coking coal exports surged 35% on the month to 13.69 MnT in May’18.
Anthracite was the second-largest exported coal grade from the country. Anthracite coal export increased 19% M-o-M to 2.14 MnT in May’18. Coking coal export was 1.75 MnT during the month.
| Grades | May’18 | Apr’18 | % Change |
| Non Coking Coal | 13.69 | 10.17 | 35% |
| Anthracite | 2.14 | 1.8 | 19% |
| Coking Coal | 1.75 | 1.62 | 8% |
| Met Coke | 0.22 | 0.2 | 10% |
| Pet Coke | 0.17 | 0.12 | 42% |
| Others | 0 | 0.03 | -100% |
| Grand Total | 17.97 | 13.94 | 29% |
Source: Russian Custom
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Importers:
South Korea remained the largest coal importer from Russia. Korean coal imports had witness slight increase on the month to 2.06 MnT in May’18, but were 15% lower on the year compared with 2.43 MnT in May’17.
China was the second-largest coal importer in May’18. The country had recorded a growth of 39% in monthly coal imports from Russia, however, on the yearly basis, imports were down 3% from 2.1 MnT in May’17.
Netherlands replaced the UK to become the third-largest coal importer in May’18. Coal import by the Netherlands increased 72% M-o-M to 1.39 MnT in May’18. On the other hand, UK’s import was down 6% during the month, which was the only monthly decline seen amongst the top 7 major importers in May’18.

Russian Coal Imports:
Russian coal import remain almost unchanged from the previous month, were marked at 1.57 MnT in May’18. Imports were however 9% lower on the year compared with 1.73 MnT in May’17.
During the first 5 months of CY18, Russian coal imports have fallen 11% Y-o-Y to 7.67 MnT, nearly 78% of the total coal quantity was taken from Kazakhstan during the period.

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