Russian coal exports have increased 6% M-o-M in May’19, post its hefty fall recorded in Apr’19. Data provided by Russian customs indicates that the country has exported 16.5 MnT coal in May’19 as against 15.57 MnT in Apr’19, supported by an improved coal intake from South Korea, Japan and Ukraine.
Still the country had witnessed weaker y-o-y exports only for the first time in past 4 months, as coal volumes in Jun’19 had fell 8% from 17.97 MnT recorded in May’18.
During the first 5 months of CY19 (Jan’19-May’19), Russian coal exports have reached 86.44 MnT, up 9% Y-o-Y from 79.16 MnT in Jan’18-May’18 period.
Strong Asian demand for Russian coal, coupled with new additions to mining capacity and expansions in rail and port infrastructure, are some of the factors that have boosted Russian exports this year.
Grade-wise Coal Exports:
Russian export of both coking and non-coking coal had gone up during the month, with the former marked 25% higher on the month at 2.25 MnT, while the later rose to 11.91 MnT in May’19.
Notably, Russian coking coal exports have increased 20% Y-o-Y to 10.83 MnT in the first 5 months of CY19.
Australian resource and energy quarterly report has highlighted that the potential sale and expansion of the Elga mine could further contribute to export growth, but will require substantial capital investment. Elga, owned by Russian coal miner Mechel, is regarded as one of the world’s largest high-quality coking coal deposits.
Export of Anthracite coal dropped to a 4-month low of 2.03 MnT in May’19.
| Grades | May’19 | Apr’19 | % Change |
| Non Coking Coal | 11.91 | 10.78 | 10% |
| Coking Coal | 2.25 | 1.8 | 25% |
| Anthracite | 2.03 | 2.62 | -23% |
| Met Coke | 0.2 | 0.31 | -35% |
| Pet Coke | 0.08 | 0.06 | 33% |
| Others | 0.02 | 0 | – |
| Total | 16.5 | 15.57 | 6% |
Source: Russian customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Importers:
China remained the largest coal importer in May’19, despite recording 5% decline in coal intake during the month. Chinese coal imports were marked 2.41 MnT in May’19 against 2.54 MnT in Apr’19, but was 19% higher on the year from 2.03 MnT in May’18.
South Korean coal import increased 8% M-o-M to 1.71 MnT in May’19, but had fell 1% Y-o-Y from 2.06 MnT in May’18.
Japan emerged as the third-largest receiver of Russian coal, with imports of 1.52 MnT coal in May’19.
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